Period Error Estimation for the Kepler Eclipsing Binary Catalog

TL;DR

This paper introduces the PEC algorithm for estimating period errors in Kepler eclipsing binaries, providing a practical tool to quantify uncertainties in orbital period measurements based on observational data.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, efficient algorithm for calculating period errors in Kepler eclipsing binary data, filling a gap where no error estimates were previously provided.

Findings

PEC algorithm accurately estimates period errors for periods less than 62.5 days.

KEBC systems with longer periods have a typical period error of about 0.0144 days.

Comparison with NASA Exoplanet Archive data validates the PEC estimates.

Abstract

The Kepler Eclipsing Binary Catalog (KEBC)describes 2165 eclipsing binaries identified in the 115 deg^2 Kepler Field based on observations from Kepler quarters Q0, Q1, and Q2. The periods in the KEBC are given in units of days out to six decimal places but no period errors are provided. We present the PEC (Period Error Calculator) algorithm which can be used to estimate the period errors of strictly periodic variables observed by the Kepler Mission. The PEC algorithm is based on propagation of error theory and assumes that observation of every light curve peak/minimum in a long time-series observation can be unambiguously identified. The PEC algorithm can be efficiently programmed using just a few lines of C computer language code. The PEC algorithm was used to develop a simple model which provides period error estimates for eclipsing binaries in the KEBC with periods less than 62.5 days. KEBC systems with periods >=62.5 days have KEBC period errors of about 0.0144 days. Periods and period errors of 7 eclipsing binary systems in the KEBC were measured using the NASA Exoplanet Archive Periodogram Service and compared to period errors estimated using the PEC algorithm.