The eagle's brightest star is actually shaped like a spinning top
In short: Altair may be a familiar point of light in the Aquila constellation, but its physical properties are far from ordinary. This video explores why this nearby star defies the typical spherical shape of most celestial bodies.
Located just 16.7 light-years away, Altair is the brightest star in the constellation Aquila (alpha designation). Its proximity to our solar system makes it a prominent fixture in the night sky.
What distinguishes Altair is its rapid rotation. It spins so quickly—completing a full rotation every 9 hours—that it has been flattened into an oblate spherical shape rather than a perfect sphere. The video examines these unique characteristics, including its specific spectral class.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Altair: The Brightest Star of Aquila the Eagle Constellation
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