Education

Degree Subject University/College Year
B.Sc. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics Bangalore University, Bangalore, Karnataka 1980
M.Sc. Chemistry Bangalore University, Bangalore, Karnataka 1983
M.Sc. Mathematics Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamilnadu 1995
Ph.D.
Physics Bangalore University, Bangalore, Karnataka 2001
Thesis Title: Study of Sun's Rotation and Solar Activity
Thesis Supervisor: Professor M, H. Gokhale
Thesis Chapters:
I. Introduction
II. Legendre Fourier analysis of the solar magnetic field inferred from sunspot group
III. Periodicities in the Sun's surface rotation
VI. Periodicities in the north-south asymmetry of the Sun's surface rotation
V. Depths of initial anchoring and rising-rate of sunspot magnetic structures
VI. Confirmation of 22-year variation in the solar differential rotation and its depth
VII. Variation of the Sun's meridional flow during the solar cycle
VIII. Conclusions and future prospects
Thesis Summary:
The Legendre Fourier analysis of sunspot group data suggests that the solar activity may be created in the Sun by some kind of `slow' MHD waves constituting `global MHD oscillations' (Chapter II). The periodicities in the rotation parameters, the depth dependence of the rotation of sunspot groups (and its temporal variations), and the temporal variations in the meridional motions of sunspot groups (Chapters III-VII) suggest existence of couplings between the spatial (radial, latitudinal and longitudinal) and temporal (few days to few decades) variations of Sun's magnetic field, rotation, and meridional flow. This supports the suggestion that the oscillations found in Chapter II are `global MHD oscillations'. The substantial variations in the differential rotation, whose periodicities and parity suggest that these oscillations are torsional in nature.

    Book Title: THE SUN'S ROTATION
    Year of Publication: 2002
    Publishers: Novascience Publishers Inc., New York, USA
    Editors: J. Javaraiah, M. H. Gokhale (Indian Institute of Astrophysics, India)
    Book Description:
    This book provides the present knowledge of the Sun's rotation, and its variation, as well as of the physical processes in the Sun and its atmosphere, which affect, and are affected by, the Sun's rotation. It is intended for students and researchers in the field of Astrophysics, particularly those in the field of Solar Physics. The development of helioseismology over the last decade has led to spectacular success in determining the Sun's internal structure and rotation with unprecedented accuracy. At the same time, technological advances have led to acquisition of high quality data on magnetic fields and activity of Sun and other stars, and also on the effects of solar activity on the interplanetary space. The temporal variation of the Sun's magnetic field, such as the 11-yr activity cycle, is intimately related to temporal variations of the Sun's differential rotation. Consequently, the studies of solar rotation and its applications in astrophysics and space science are currently becoming more and more important.
    Table of Contents:
    Preface; Chapter 1: Sun's Structure and Solar Phenomena (M.H. Gokhale and J. Javaraiah, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, India); Chapter 2: Mean Rotation of Sun's Outer Layers (J. Javaraiah, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, India and R. W. Komm, NSO, Tucson, USA); Chapter 3: Time Dependence of the Rotation of Sun's Outer Layers (R.W. Komm, NSO, Tucson, USA and J. Javaraiah, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, India); Chapter 4: Rotation Rate in the Solar Interior: Helioseismic Studies (H.M. Antia, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, India); Chapter 5: Theoretical Studies of Sun's Rotation (M.H. Gokhale and J. Javaraiah, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, India); Index