Strange star puzzles astronomers: BBC

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Ivan Seeking
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Star Strange
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the irregular rotation of a celestial body and its implications for angular momentum and gravitational forces. Participants explore the relationship between the body's equatorial bulge, its rate of rotation, and the conservation of angular momentum. Key equations such as Energy = 0.5Iw² are referenced to analyze kinetic energy loss and its potential transformation into gravitational waves. The conversation highlights the complexities of rotational dynamics in astrophysics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum and its conservation principles
  • Familiarity with the concepts of rotational dynamics and inertia
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational forces and centrifugal effects
  • Proficiency in physics equations related to energy and motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of angular momentum on celestial bodies
  • Study the relationship between gravitational waves and kinetic energy loss
  • Explore advanced topics in rotational dynamics in astrophysics
  • Learn about the implications of equatorial bulges on planetary rotation
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and physics students interested in celestial mechanics and the dynamics of rotating bodies.

Astronomy news on Phys.org
Cool ! :smile: The aliens on the 3rd rock from it see
an egg in the sky...
 
Will the equatorial radius keep on increasing? Will it become flatter and flatter ?
 
Angular momentum

Since it bulges as it rotates, its angular momentum should decrease. So its rate of rotation would decrease too. But if its rotation slows down, its bulge would also decrease and its spin would increase again! So its rotation speed is irregular.

Physicskid
 


Originally posted by physicskid
Since it bulges as it rotates, its angular momentum should decrease. So its rate of rotation would decrease too. But if its rotation slows down, its bulge would also decrease and its spin would increase again! So its rotation speed is irregular.
Since it's rotating fast, I think it takes quite long to slow down to the extent that gravitational force outweights the centrifugal effect.

Energy = 0.5Iw^2=0.5(Iw)w (I:moment of inertia ; w:angular velocity)
As w decrease, there is loss in KE. Where does the loss in KE go to?(gravitational wave?)
When gravitation outweights centrifugal force, w increase, where does the energy come from?
 

Similar threads

High School NGC 4590, more than 1,400 stars found in various evolutionary stages
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Image of a Newly Formed Planet in a Disk Around a Star
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Strange quarks, Strange stars and Strangelets?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Strange spiral structure in Oort Cloud, outer Solar System
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Astronomers discover how lowly dwarf galaxy becomes star-forming powerhouse
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
872
High School Betelgeuse unusual dimming - what's up?
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
13K
Graduate The Habitable Exoplanet Hunting Project
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Possible observation of Pop III stars....? -NY Times article
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Long-lost star catalogue of the astronomer Hipparchus
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Supernova - the Birth of One is Spotted
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K