Äquatorialwölbung

Äquatorialwölbung refers to the phenomenon where a celestial body, such as a planet or star, bulges outwards at its equator due to rotational forces. As a celestial object spins, the centrifugal force is strongest at the equator, pushing matter outwards. This results in the equatorial diameter being larger than the polar diameter. The degree of this bulge depends on the object's rotational speed and its composition. Rapidly rotating bodies exhibit a more pronounced equatorial bulge. For instance, Jupiter is a well-known example of a planet with a significant equatorial bulge, making it appear noticeably flattened at the poles. Similarly, rapidly rotating stars can also show this effect. The opposite of this bulge is polar flattening. Understanding Äquatorialwölbung is important in astrophysics and planetary science for modeling celestial bodies and their dynamics. It influences gravitational fields and orbital mechanics around these objects. The term is derived from the German words "Äquator" (equator) and "Wölbung" (bulge or arching).