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Non-Spherical Stars

Posted by michael on from the first-you-assume-a-spherical-cow dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Now that the large interferometers are coming on line, the stars are no longer dots. Achernar (Alpha Eridani), is a huge ellipsoid whose polar radius (due to fast spinning) is 50% smaller than the equatorial one!"

7 of 70 comments (clear)

  1. Husky stars by SandSpider · · Score: 2, Funny

    I blame large plates. And a lack of exercise.

    =Brian

    --
    There is nothing so good that someone, somewhere, will not hate it.
    1. Re:Husky stars by Randolpho · · Score: 2, Funny

      No, clearly the problem is sunspots. I suggest an aluminium foil helmet.

      --
      "Times have not become more violent. They have just become more televised."
      -Marilyn Manson
  2. Cosmic Rugby by follower_of_christ · · Score: 3, Funny

    Hey God!

    I found your rubgy ball!

    1. Re:Cosmic Rugby by kamukwam · · Score: 2, Funny

      So what will be the next discovery? The intergalactic frisbee?

  3. Amateur Astronomy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Nicole Kidman or Gwyneth Paltrow are the flattest stars that can be seen with the naked eye or possibly binoculars.

  4. I crush you... by FroMan · · Score: 5, Funny

    You know when you take your index finger and thumb and look at something pretty far away. Then you squish them till they touch.

    I think someone was doing that at the end of the telescope.

    --
    Norris/Palin 2012
    Fact: We deserve leaders who can kick your ass and field dress your carcass.
    1. Re:I crush you... by DustMagnet · · Score: 2, Funny

      I'm crushing your star.

      --
      'SBEMAIL!' is better than a goat!!