New Guidance on the Uncertainty of the Mass Segregation Ratio

Abstract The mass segregation ratio (MSR) developed by R. J. Allison et al. is used to characterize the spatial distribution of mass in a stellar system. Proper quantification of the uncertainty is integral in making a physical interpretation of the MSR. Since the measured uncertainty can aid in determining if the mass segregation in a system is significant, incorrect estimations for this quantity can impact scientific conclusions. In this work, I provide a correction for the estimation of the MSR uncertainty.