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arXiv · 0904.0645

A Bayesian approach to the analysis of time symmetry in light curves: Reconsidering Scorpius X-1 occultations

Alexander W. Blocker·Pavlos Protopapas·Charles R. Alcock
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Abstract

We present a new approach to the analysis of time symmetry in light curves, such as those in the x-ray at the center of the Scorpius X-1 occultation debate. Our method uses a new parameterization for such events (the bilogistic event profile) and provides a clear, physically relevant characterization of each event's key features. We also demonstrate a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm to carry out this analysis, including a novel independence chain configuration for the estimation of each event's location in the light curve. These tools are applied to the Scorpius X-1 light curves presented in Chang et al. (2007), providing additional evidence based on the time series that the events detected thus far are most likely not occultations by TNOs.

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Alexander W. Blocker, Pavlos Protopapas, Charles R. Alcock. 2009-04-04. A Bayesian approach to the analysis of time symmetry in light curves: Reconsidering Scorpius X-1 occultations. https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637x%2F701%2F2%2F1742

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