The equatorial region has a faster rotation speed than the polar zones. The result of the Sun's differential rotation is that the active regions always arise in two bands parallel to the equator and their extension increases during the periods of maximum of the solar cycle, while they almost disappear during each minimum. Therefore, the quiet Sun always coincides with the equatorial zone and its surface is less active during the maximum of the solar cycle. Approaching the minimum of the solar cycle (also named butterfly cycle), the extension of the quiet Sun increases until it covers the whole disk surface excluding some bright points on the hemisphere and the poles, where there are coronal holes.
The equatorial region has a faster rotation speed than the polar zones The result of the Sun's differential rotation is that the active regions always arise in two bands parallel to the equator and their extension increases during the periods of maximum of the solar cycle while they almost disappear during each minimum Therefore the quiet Sun always coincides with the equatorial zone and its surface is less active during the maximum of the solar cycle Approaching the minimum of the solar cycle (also named butterfly cycle) the extension of the quiet Sun increases until it covers the whole disk surface excluding some bright points on the hemisphere and the poles where there are coronal holes