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Polar flattening, also known as oblateness, refers to the deviation of a planet's shape from a perfect sphere, resulting in a slightly flattened appearance at the poles compared to the equator. This occurs due to centrifugal forces caused by the planet's rotation. For example, Earth is an oblate spheroid with a polar flattening of about 0.00335.

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Which planet has the greatest polar flattening?

Saturn has the greatest polar flattening of any planet in our solar system. Its oblateness, or polar flattening, is due to its rapid rotation, causing it to bulge at the equator and flatten at the poles.


What is polar flattening and why is the polar flattening of Saturn unique?

Polar flattening refers to the phenomenon where a planet's shape is not a perfect sphere but is instead slightly compressed at the poles and bulging at the equator due to its rotation. Saturn exhibits significant polar flattening because it has a fast rotation rate and a low density, leading to a pronounced equatorial bulge. This flattening is unique among planets in the solar system, as Saturn's equatorial diameter is markedly larger than its polar diameter, making it one of the most oblate planets. The degree of this flattening contributes to Saturn's distinctive appearance and is a key factor in its atmospheric dynamics.


What causes polar flattening of the Earth?

The spinning motion of the Earth causes it to flatten slightly at the poles and bulge at the equator. This flattening, known as oblateness, is a result of the centrifugal force counteracting the gravitational force at the equator. The shape of the Earth is an oblate spheroid due to this flattening.


Did all planet have spherical shape?

Nearly spherical, with some polar flattening for the large gas giants which spin quickly.


What is the approximate flattening of earth?

The approximate flattening of the Earth, also known as its oblateness, is about 1/298.257. This means that the Earth's equatorial radius is about 21 kilometers larger than its polar radius, resulting in a slight bulge at the equator. This flattening is a consequence of the Earth's rotation and the resulting centrifugal force. Overall, the Earth's shape is best described as an oblate spheroid.


What is the accurate size of mars?

The equatorial radius is 3,396.2 km The polar radius is 3,376.2 km Flattening is 0.00589 and Surface area of 144,798,500 km2


How Big is The sun width and height?

1.392 X 106 Km is the equatorial diameter. There is a slight 'flattening' of the polar diameter dues to the suns rotation.


What is the shape of the outer planets?

Planets don't revolve around the Earth.Planets revolve around the Sun in ellipses.


Why does saturn bulge out at the equator and flatten at the poles?

Saturn's day is about 10 and one half hours. This rapid rotation makes the largest polar flattening among the planets.


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Roll flattening is medal that flattens out things. It can flatten out hot and cold medal.


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anterior cord flattening at T-7-8 can you tell me what this means


What is roll flattening?

Roll flattening is medal that flattens out things. It can flatten out hot and cold medal.