June 7, 2007

Big Stuff

I am frequently brought to pause thinking about the size of the earth: it's mass is around 5.9736 X1024 kilograms. This is minuscule compared to the sun which has a mass equal to 332,830 earths.

So, when I read about a star with 114 solar masses, well, let's just say I'm a bit awestruck!

Oh, it is part of a binary system. The other star is a paltry 84 solar masses and their period of rotation is 3.77 days.

I'll stay off that dance floor, thank you!

Posted by Steve on June 7, 2007
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