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Nature 440, 873-874 (13 April 2006) | doi:10.1038/440873a; Published online 12 April 2006
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Astrophysics: A whirling dervish
Richard Gray1
Abstract
Vega is a fundamental reference star for astronomers. But it seems that our perceptions of it have been misconceived — rather than spinning slowly, the star is a rapid rotator seen pole-on.
On page 896 of this issue, Peterson et al.1 present measurements that convincingly show that Vega — the second brightest star in the northern night sky — is not turning un-hurriedly as had been assumed, but rotating at a speed near to that at which it would fly apart. Confirming this behaviour required cutting-edge technology, as Vega's rotational axis is pointing almost directly at Earth.
- Richard Gray is in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, USA.
Email: grayro@appstate.edu
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