The orientation of magnetic axes in Ap stars: An alternative interpretation of the component with small obliquity.

Zeeman-analyzed line profiles have been computed for oblique-rotator models and decentereddipole configurations of the magnetic-field geometry. It is argued on the basis of these profiles that periodic magnetic variables with nonreversing magnetic fields can be interpreted as having the magnetic axis nearly orthogonal to the rotation axis. These objects have been previously interpreted as having the magnetic and rotational axes nearly aligned. Subject headings: magnetic stars - peculiar A stars - Zeeman effect