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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!"

3 of 70 comments (clear)

  1. Cosmic Rugby by follower_of_christ · · Score: 3, Funny

    Hey God!

    I found your rubgy ball!

  2. 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.

  3. 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.