Results from a recent stellar rotation census of B stars

In an analysis of the rotational properties of more than 1100 B stars (∼660 cluster and ∼500 field B stars), we determine the projected rotational velocity (V sin i), effective temperature, gravity, mass, and critical rotation speed for each star. The new data provide us a solid observational base to explore many hot topics in this area: Why do field B stars rotate slower than cluster B stars? How fast do B stars rotate when they are just born? How fast can B stars rotate before they become Be stars? How does the rotation rate of B stars change with time? Does the evolutionary change in rotation velocity lead to the Be phenomenon? Here we report the results of our efforts in searching for answers to these questions based on the latest B star census.