On the Inference of a Star's Inclination Angle from its Rotation Velocity and Projected Rotation Velocity

Kento Masuda, Joshua N. Winn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

90 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number81
JournalAstronomical Journal
Volume159
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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