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Statistical inference for evolving periodic functions
Author(s) -
Genton Marc G.,
Hall Peter
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of the royal statistical society: series b (statistical methodology)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.523
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1467-9868
pISSN - 1369-7412
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9868.2007.00604.x
Subject(s) - identifiability , inference , statistical inference , variable (mathematics) , variation (astronomy) , observer (physics) , stars , period (music) , mathematics , focus (optics) , statistical physics , computer science , artificial intelligence , statistics , physics , astrophysics , mathematical analysis , optics , quantum mechanics , acoustics
Summary. 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.