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Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Theses/Dissertations

2016

Astronomical photometry

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Bayesian Model Testing Of Models For Ellipsoidal Variation On Stars Due To Hot Jupiters, Anthony Gai Jan 2016

Bayesian Model Testing Of Models For Ellipsoidal Variation On Stars Due To Hot Jupiters, Anthony Gai

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

A massive planet closely orbiting its host star creates tidal forces that distort the typically spherical stellar surface. These distortions, known as ellipsoidal variations, result in variations in the photometric flux emitted by the star, which can be detected by the Kepler Space Telescope. Currently, there exist several models describing such variations and their effect on the photometric fux [1] [2] [3] [4]. By using Bayesian model testing in conjunction with the Bayesian-based exoplanet characterization software package EXONEST [4] [5] [6], the most probable representation for ellipsoidal variations was determined for synthetic data and two systems with confirmed hot Jupiter …


The Detection And Characterization Of Extrasolar Planets, Zachary Richards Jan 2016

The Detection And Characterization Of Extrasolar Planets, Zachary Richards

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The study of extra-solar planets (exoplanets) is a rapidly expanding field, which aims to detect, characterize, and understand how other planetary systems form and behave. Observing an exoplanet transit its host star allows us to detect the exoplanet in the light curve. As an exoplanet transits, there will be a dip in the total flux (light per unit area) of the host star visible in the light curve. While observing an exoplanet transit, several photometric effects may influence the light curve. We consider the following photometric effects: reflected light, Doppler boosting (beaming), thermal emission, and ellipsoidal variation. This study relies …