Globularity

Globularity is a concept that describes the degree to which an object or phenomenon approximates a sphere. In mathematics and physics, globularity is often quantified by comparing an object's shape to that of a perfect sphere. For instance, a perfectly spherical object would have a globularity of 1, while more elongated or flattened shapes would have values less than 1.

In astronomy, globularity is a key characteristic used to classify celestial bodies. Planets and moons that are massive enough to overcome their own rigidity and become spherical due to gravity are considered globally. Smaller celestial objects, like asteroids and comets, often have irregular shapes and thus low globularity. The process by which a celestial body becomes spherical is called hydrostatic equilibrium.

The concept of globularity is also relevant in other scientific disciplines. In materials science, for example, the globularity of particles can affect their packing density, flow properties, and reactivity. In biology, the shape of cells can be described in terms of their globularity, which can influence their function and interactions within tissues. Understanding globularity helps in characterizing and comparing diverse shapes across various fields of study.