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Why are all planets shaped like oranges? It turns out this is the magical result of gravity and rotation!
The shape of planets has always been an important topic of study for astronomers and physicists, and it all starts with the understanding of gravity and rotation. The round shape of an orange actually has a striking resemblance to the appearance of most planets. How did the flat planets, such as Earth and Saturn, get their shapes?
Basic shapes of planets
The shape of a planet can be described as an "ellipsoid", a completely symmetrical three-dimensional geometric shape. The ellipsoid on the blueprint is obtained by rotating an ellipse about its major axis, thus forming two equal radii. Depending on the position of the rotation axis, ellipsoids can be divided into two categories: "convex ellipsoids" that are elongated downward and "concave ellipsoids" that are flattened upward. The earth is a typical concave ellipsoid.
"The Earth is not a simple sphere, but is slightly flattened due to gravity and rotation, which has become a reference model that we often use when measuring and making maps."
The Effect of Gravity
The combination of a planet's rotation and gravity gives a star its distinctive shape. When a planet rotates at high speed, its equatorial part will bulge outward due to the centrifugal force, forming a phenomenon called "equatorial bulge". The Earth's equatorial radius is approximately 6,378.137 kilometers, while its polar radius is 6,356.752 kilometers. This difference is rooted in the power of rotation.
The relationship between rotation and shape
When a planet spins rapidly along at the speed of its rotation, the balance between gravity and angular momentum has a profound effect on the planet's shape. The faster the planet rotates, the more pronounced the stretching effect of the elliptical shape. For example, Saturn is the flattest planet we know of.
"The forces caused by the rotation cause the shape of the planet to change. This picture is really like a work of art in nature."
The diversity of planetary shapes
Not only the Earth, but many other planets and satellites also show similar elliptical shapes. Jupiter, Saturn, and even our beloved icy moons all owe their unique appearances to the interaction of rotation and gravity. These phenomena make us wonder, in what ways do the many celestial bodies in the universe show their charm?
ConclusionThe ellipsoidal shapes formed by the gravity and rotation of the planets not only show their special attraction in astronomical observations, but also enable us to have a deeper understanding of this vast universe. So, what kind of mysteries will these celestial bodies in the universe reveal to us?
