![]() Eliptical orbits (defined by Kepler's third law) mean that the distance to each planet varies, with Pluto being the most variable (in fact passing inside the orbit of Neptune at times). To further complicate matters, planetary orbits are in fact not circular. The Sun actually oscillates due to the gravitational effect of Jupiter's mass. However if the question is does the Sun remain in the same position relative to all the planets, then the answer is no. This differential rotation in fact causes the Sun's magnetic field to distort and leads to loops that are visible to solar observers. The Sun spins on its axis, however the rotational speed differs at different solar latitudes due to the liquid nature of the Sun's makeup. If by this one means does the sun rotate at all, then answer is yes. The direction of rotation of the Sun is from east to west as seen from the Earth. The Sun rotates like a top, or like the Earth, and its axis is inclined 7 and 1/4 degrees to the earth's orbit - this compares to the Earth's axis which is inclined at approx 23 degrees and gives us the seasons. ![]() Regular movement of sunspots show the rotation, slower at the poles than at the equator. This odd phenomena is possible because the Sun is not solid it is essentially a fiery ball of gas, hydrogen and helium, possibly with a solid core deep inside. The Sun revolves at about once every 25 days at its equator and up to 30 days near its poles.
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