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

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.

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