The Sun rotates on its axis, but unlike solid bodies, it exhibits differential rotation because it is made of plasma, not solid material. This means different latitudes on the Sun rotate at different speeds: the equator completes a rotation in about 25 days, while the poles take about 36 days to rotate fully. This differential rotation is primarily due to the Sun's gaseous state combined with convective motions and the Coriolis force. The rotation axis of the Sun is tilted about 7.25 degrees relative to the plane of Earth's orbit. From a viewpoint above the Sun's north pole, it rotates counterclockwise. This rotation originates from the conservation of angular momentum in the gas cloud from which the Sun formed about 4.5 billion years ago. Additionally, the core of the Sun rotates faster, approximately once per week, which is about four times the surface rotation rate.

Key Details of Solar Rotation

• The Sun is a ball of plasma, not a solid, so it doesn't rotate uniformly.
• Equatorial regions rotate faster (~25 days) than polar regions (~36 days).
• Rotation period differs depending on the latitude due to differential rotation.
• The Sun’s axis is tilted 7.25 degrees relative to the orbital plane of planets.
• Core rotation is faster (~7 days per rotation) compared to the surface.
• The rotation was inherited from the original rotating gas cloud forming the solar system.

This differential rotation affects solar phenomena such as sunspots, which tend to appear around latitudes where the rotation period matches certain standard values used in tracking solar activity.