Statistical inference for evolving periodic functions

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Genton, Marc G.; Hall, Peter
• 署名单位: Texas A&M University System; Texas A&M University College Station; University of Geneva; Australian National University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL STATISTICAL SOCIETY SERIES B-STATISTICAL METHODOLOGY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1369-7412
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9868.2007.00604.x
• 发表日期: 2007
• 页码: 643-657
• 关键词: stars

摘要

In the study of variable stars, where the light reaching an observer fluctuates over time, it can be difficult to explain the nature of the variation unless it follows a regular pattern. In this respect, so-called periodic variable stars are particularly amenable to analysis. There, radiation varies in a perfectly periodic fashion, and period length is a major focus of interest. We develop methods for conducting inference about features that might account for departures from strict periodicity. These include variation, over time, of the period or amplitude of radiation. We suggest methods for estimating the parameters of this evolution, and for testing the hypothesis that the evolution is present. This problem has some unusual features, including subtle issues of identifiability.