Using Gaussian processes to model light curves in the presence of flickering: the eclipsing cataclysmic variable ASASSN-14ag Article Swipe
YOU?
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· 2016
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stw2417
· OA: W2521314022
The majority of cataclysmic variable (CV) stars contain a stochastic noise\ncomponent in their light curves, commonly referred to as flickering. This can\nsignificantly affect the morphology of CV eclipses and increases the difficulty\nin obtaining accurate system parameters with reliable errors through eclipse\nmodelling. Here we introduce a new approach to eclipse modelling, which models\nCV flickering with the help of Gaussian processes (GPs). A parameterised\neclipse model - with an additional GP component - is simultaneously fit to 8\neclipses of the dwarf nova ASASSN-14ag and system parameters determined. We\nobtain a mass ratio $q$ = 0.149 $\\pm$ 0.016 and inclination $i$ = 83.4\n$^{+0.9}_{-0.6}$ $^{\\circ}$. The white dwarf and donor masses were found to be\n$M_{w}$ = 0.63 $\\pm$ 0.04 $M_{\\odot}$ and $M_{d}$ = 0.093 $^{+0.015}_{-0.012}$\n$M_{\\odot}$, respectively. A white dwarf temperature $T_{w}$ = 14000\n$^{+2200}_{-2000}$ K and distance $d$ = 146 $^{+24}_{-20}$ pc were determined\nthrough multicolour photometry. We find GPs to be an effective way of modelling\nflickering in CV light curves and plan to use this new eclipse modelling\napproach going forward.\n
