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Formation of a Fast-Rotating Star
This diagram shows one theory for the creation of the fastest spinning star found to date. The more massive star was once a member of a binary pair. Its rapidly aging companion star evolves and expands, spilling material onto the less evolved star. The star robbed angular momentum from the donor star and spun up to a rotation speed of 1 million miles per hour. The donor star explodes as a supernova and propelled the surviving star away.
- Release DateDecember 5, 2011
- Science ReleaseFastest Rotating Star Found in Neighboring Galaxy
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Artist's View of Fastest Spinning Star VFTS 102
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Ground-based Image of Tarantula Nebula
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Last Updated
Feb 17, 2025
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Media
Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov
