If a galaxy's inclination ($i$) is known, how is the observed radial velocity ($v_{obs}$) converted to the true circular velocity ($v_{circ}$)?

Answer

$v_{circ} = v_{obs} / \sin(i)$

The conversion requires dividing the observed radial velocity by the sine of the inclination angle to account for the projection effect of viewing the rotation obliquely.

If a galaxy's inclination ($i$) is known, how is the observed radial velocity ($v_{obs}$) converted to the true circular velocity ($v_{circ}$)?

#Videos

Astrophysics: Galaxy Rotation Curves and Dark Matter - YouTube

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