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The traditional approximation of rotation (TAR) is a set of equations that relate the characteristics of gravity waves that are likely to occur on the surface of a rotating body, such as a star or planet, given its radius, mass, and rotation period. The set of equations are approximate, consisting of hydrodynamic equations of the surface of a rotating body, but leaving out terms for some effects that may be of minor significance if rotation is not too rapid. One of the effects ignored is the Coriolis force. The approximation was produced for geophysics, but has been applied to stars (e.g., asteroseismology) and other planets.