A map of the fast-spinning star, Altair, was made by collecting near-infrared light from four separate telescopes. The map reveals a rapidly rotating giant orb very different from our own sun, with hot poles and a cooler, thickened equator. [John Monnier/University of Michigan]
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Why would they assume a solid body? It is well known that the rotational period of the solar polar regions does not match the equator. That’s why we get sunspots — the magnetic field lines twist and tear due to differential rotation.
Of course, if the star is “squashed” with a “distended” equator, then of course the poles are warmer — they are closer to the nuclear core that powers the star.
