Indian astronomers have found a theoretical explanation for an intriguing layer named Near-Surface Shear Layer(NSSL). 

What is a Near-Surface Shear Layer(NSSL)? 

• It has long been known that the sun’s equator spins faster than the poles. 
• However, a peek into the internal rotation of the sun using sound waves revealed the existence of an intriguing layer where its rotation profile changes sharply. 
• This layer is called the near-surface shear layer(NSSL) and exists very close to the solar surface, within which the angular velocity decreases rapidly with radius. 
• Significance: Understanding NSSL is crucial for the study of several solar phenomena like sunspot formation and solar cycle. 

Read more: Intriguing layer where internal rotation profile of Sun changes theoretically explained