Oblateness refers to the shape of an object that is flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This shape is commonly observed in celestial bodies, such as Earth, which is not a perfect sphere but rather an oblate spheroid. The flattening occurs due to the rotation of the body, causing the equatorial region to expand outward. In addition to Earth, other planets and moons in our solar system also exhibit oblateness. The degree of oblateness can vary based on factors like rotation speed and internal structure. Understanding oblateness helps scientists study the physical properties and dynamics of these celestial objects.