science

What Shapes Are Stars Hiding in the Universe?

Discovering the Quirky Shapes of Stars Beyond the Classic Sphere

What Shapes Are Stars Hiding in the Universe?

Hey, I’m Nigel, and welcome to “Nigel Goes to Space!” I love getting suggestions from you all on what topics to cover. Steve Okonak suggested we chat about stars, so here we go.

When we were kids, many of us thought stars had fancy shapes, but as we grow older, we learn they aren’t quite that exciting. Let’s break it down. Stars are huge, varying from millions to billions of kilometers across. Despite their size, most stars look pretty much like our Sun – round and spherical.

Why are they round? Well, stars are made of gas, not solid stuff. Gravity pulls the gas in from all directions equally, resulting in a sphere. Simple enough, right?

But not all stars are perfect spheres. Take Regulus in the constellation of Leo, for example. It spins super fast, way faster than our Sun, which rotates about once a month. Because Regulus spins so quickly, its equator gets flung out, giving it a shape more like a tangerine. If it spun any faster, it could actually tear itself apart!

Then there’s Spica in the constellation Virgo. It’s not one but two stars. These stars are close enough to stretch each other out with their gravity, forming an elongated egg shape, with the “point” pointing towards one another.

But it gets weird with Cygnus X-1, a star near a black hole. The black hole’s intense gravity pulls gas from the star, giving it a pear shape as it orbits around the black hole. The gas is even pulled into the black hole!

So, stars can be round, like our Sun, tangerine-shaped if they spin rapidly, egg-shaped if they’re close to another star, or even pear-shaped if they’re near a black hole. Pretty cool, huh?

Want to learn more about the universe? Keep tuning into “Nigel Goes to Space,” subscribe to the channel, and send me your questions. See you next time!



Similar Posts
Blog Image
Dreams: Portals to Your Parallel Lives? Explore Mind-Blowing Multiverse Theory

Dreams and déjà vu may be glimpses into parallel lives across the multiverse. Quantum physics suggests infinite parallel universes exist. Our dreams could be windows into these alternate realities, where different versions of us live. Déjà vu might occur when our brains briefly connect with experiences of our parallel selves. This theory offers intriguing explanations for vivid dreams and unexplained feelings of familiarity.

Blog Image
Is Yellowstone's Tranquility Hiding a World-Ending Supervolcano?

A Serene Landscape Hiding Apocalypse-Level Disasters Beneath

Blog Image
7 Groundbreaking Nanotechnology Advances Reshaping Our Future

Discover 7 groundbreaking advances in nanotechnology reshaping our world. From self-assembling structures to nanorobots, explore the future of medicine, electronics, and more. Learn how nano-innovations are transforming lives.

Blog Image
What Made the SR-71 Blackbird So Unstoppable During the Cold War?

Racing Supersonic Shadows: Unveiling the Secrets of the SR-71 Blackbird

Blog Image
Is Triton the Key to Unlocking Human Survival Beyond Earth?

Geysers, Gale-Force Winds, and Frozen Seas: Navigating Neptune's Wild Side and Its Moons

Blog Image
What Hidden Challenges Make the Panama Canal an Unseen Wonder?

The Panama Canal: A Testament to Human Ingenuity and Determination