Vega is a rapidly rotating star

D. M. Peterson (), C. A. Hummel, T. A. Pauls, J. T. Armstrong, J. A. Benson, G. C. Gilbreath, R. B. Hindsley, D. J. Hutter, K. J. Johnston, D. Mozurkewich and H. R. Schmitt
Additional contact information
D. M. Peterson: Stony Brook University
C. A. Hummel: European Southern Observatory (ESO)
T. A. Pauls: Naval Research Laboratory
J. T. Armstrong: Naval Research Laboratory
J. A. Benson: US Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station
G. C. Gilbreath: Naval Research Laboratory
R. B. Hindsley: Naval Research Laboratory
D. J. Hutter: US Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station
K. J. Johnston: US Naval Observatory
D. Mozurkewich: Seabrook Engineering
H. R. Schmitt: Naval Research Laboratory

Nature, 2006, vol. 440, issue 7086, 896-899

Abstract: Falling standards Vega, the second brightest star visible in the northern hemisphere, is used by astronomers as a standard against which other stars are calibrated. The intensity of light throughout its spectrum is known precisely, linking brightness and energy output. But there have been problems with conclusions drawn from such comparisons, leading to suggestions that Vega is a distorted, rapidly rotating star seen pole-on. Peterson et al. now report that Vega is indeed rapidly rotating, and is seen almost pole-on. This resolves the earlier problems, but adds uncertainty to Vega's age and raises the possibility that its debris disk could be much older than was thought.

Date: 2006
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DOI: 10.1038/nature04661

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