The shape of Achernar

Profile of the rapidly rotating star Achernar, as deduced from observations with the VLT Interferometer (VLTI). The size is indicated in units of 0.001 arcsec (milli-arcsec). Individual angular diameter measurements are indicated by pairs of small points with associated error bars on opposite sides of the centre. The fully drawn curve represents the best fitting ellipse. The ratio of the axes is 1.56 ± 0.05. The major axis of this ellipse is a measure of the "real" size of the star. Because of the projection effect, the minor axis shows the largest possible extension in the perpendicular direction. The axes ratio is therefore a minimal value; the star may be even more flattened than suggested by this ellipse.

Crediti:

ESO

A proposito dell'immagine

Identificazione:eso0316b
Tipo:Grafico
Data di pubblicazione:11 Giugno 2003
Notizie relative:eso0316
Dimensione:1622 x 1664 px

A proposito delll'oggetto

Nome:Achernar
Tipo:Milky Way : Star : Evolutionary Stage : Main Sequence
Distanza:150 Anni luce
Categoria:Stars

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