An investigation into exoplanet transits and uncertainties

Ji Y., Banks T., Budding E., Rhodes M. D.

ASTROPHYSICS AND SPACE SCIENCE, vol.362, no.6, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 362 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10509-017-3096-x
  • Journal Name: ASTROPHYSICS AND SPACE SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

A simple transit model is described along with tests of this model against published results for 4 exoplanet systems (Kepler-1, 2, 8, and 77). Data from the Kepler mission are used. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is applied to obtain realistic error estimates. Optimisation of limb darkening coefficients is subject to data quality. It is more likely for MCMC to derive an empirical limb darkening coefficient for light curves with S/N (signal to noise) above 15. Finally, the model is applied to Kepler data for 4 Kepler candidate systems (KOI 760.01, 767.01, 802.01, and 824.01) with previously unpublished results. Error estimates for these systems are obtained via the MCMC method.