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Altair

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description Altair Overview

Altair is a brilliant A-type main-sequence star located within the constellation Aquila. Situated just 17 light-years from Earth, it’s notable for its exceptionally fast rotation rate. This rapid spin causes a flattening of the star at its poles. Altair represents a key nearby star system and is particularly interesting to astronomers studying stellar evolution and rotational dynamics in stars like our Sun.

help Altair FAQ

Where is Altair located in the night sky?

Altair is located in the constellation Aquila, representing the celestial eagle. It is the brightest star in this constellation and forms one point of the prominent 'Summer Triangle' asterism alongside Vega and Deneb.

How far is Altair from Earth?

Altair is relatively close to our solar system, located at a distance of approximately 16.7 light-years. Its proximity makes it one of the nearest bright stars visible from Earth.

What is unique about Altair's rotation and shape?

Altair rotates at an exceptionally fast speed, completing a full rotation in less than 10 hours. This rapid spin causes the star to bulge significantly at its equator, giving it a distinctly flattened, oblate shape.

Is Altair part of a binary or multiple star system?

Despite early observations suggesting it might have companions, Altair is generally considered a single, solitary star. However, it is the primary target of its own stellar system, though it has no known exoplanets.

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