![Request for Information – Potential [Placeholder for Prize]](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/psd/solar/2023/09/s/solarsystem_0.jpg?w=1024)
APOD
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
A Giant Starspot on HD 12545
Explanation: What could cause a star to have such a large spot ? Our Sun itself frequently has sunspots , relatively cool dark magnetic depressions that move across its surface. HD 12545 , however, exhibits the largest starspots yet observed. Doppler imaging - the use of slight changes in color caused by the rotation of the star - was used to create this false-color image . The vertical bar on the right gives a temperature scale in kelvins . This giant, binary, RS CVn star , also known as XX Trianguli , is visible with binoculars in the constellation of Triangulum . The starspot is thought to be caused by large magnetic fields that inhibit hot matter from flowing to the surface.
| Date | November 2, 2003 |
|---|---|
| Credit | Credit & Copyright: K. Strassmeier ( U. Wien ), Coude Feed Telescope , AURA , NOAO , NSF |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |