Subtracting the proper motion resulting from movement of the Sun

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a star relative to its local medium by subtracting the proper motion caused by the Sun's movement. The user has identified the solar peculiar motion components as (U, V, W) = (10, 11, 7.2) km/s and the local standard of rest velocity (v_lsr) as 240 km/s. The user attempts to convert proper motion from galactic coordinates to Cartesian coordinates, subtract the solar velocity, and then revert to galactic coordinates but encounters inaccuracies. A reference to a relevant guide in Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.431, p.L1-L4 (2005) is provided for further assistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of proper motion in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with galactic and Cartesian coordinate systems
  • Knowledge of solar peculiar motion components
  • Basic skills in vector subtraction and conversion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the methodology for converting proper motion to velocity in Cartesian coordinates
  • Research the implications of solar peculiar motion on stellar velocity calculations
  • Examine the guide in Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.431, p.L1-L4 (2005) for detailed procedures
  • Learn about the local standard of rest and its significance in astrophysical measurements
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students involved in stellar motion analysis and those seeking to refine their calculations of stellar velocities relative to the local medium.

rawen
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Hello,
I have been trying to compute the velocity of the star with respect to its local medium from the proper motion measurements. Sure, you can calculate the corresponding velocities by v = 4.74*(proper motion)*distance (in suitable units), but this resulting velocity is now with respect to Sun.

I have been searching for a method to compute that. So far I have found the velocity components of the solar peculiar motion (U, V, W) = (10, 11, 7.2) km/s and velocity of the local standard of rest v_lsr = 240 km/s. I have tried to convert the proper motion (in galactic coordinates) into velocity in cartesian coordinates, then subtract the solar velocity given as (10, 11 - 240, 7.2) and convert the resulting velocity back into galactic coordinates but I keep getting the wrong values...

I must be doing something wrong. I have not been able to found any comprehensible guide on how to do this. If someone know of something that can help me, I will be grateful.
 
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A brief cookbook can be found in Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.431, p.L1-L4 (2005) .
Just in a case someone might need it sometime :).
 

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