On the Inference of a Star’s Inclination Angle from its Rotation Velocity and Projected Rotation Velocity
Kento Masuda, Joshua N. Winn
Abstract
Abstract It is possible to learn about the orientation of a star’s rotation axis by combining measurements of the star’s rotation velocity ( v ) and its projection onto our line of sight ( v sin i ). This idea has found many applications, including the investigation of the obliquities of stars with transiting planets. Here, we present a method for the probabilistic inference of the inclination of the star’s rotation axis based on independent data sets that constrain v and v sin i . We also correct several errors and misconceptions that appear in the literature.
Topics & Concepts
PhysicsRotation (mathematics)Orientation (vector space)Angular velocityProjection (relational algebra)Earth's rotationInclination angleLine-of-sightLine (geometry)StarsEuler's rotation theoremInferenceGeometryRadial velocityAstrophysicsProbabilistic logicOpticsGeodesyClassical mechanicsMathematical analysisMotion (physics)Velocity vectorGeophysics and Gravity MeasurementsStellar, planetary, and galactic studiesHistorical Astronomy and Related Studies