How Can I Interpret This Graph?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around interpreting a graph obtained from a study related to the periodicity of data points, specifically concerning the dates of new moons transiting a particular constellation from 2000 to 2040. Participants explore various mathematical approaches to analyze the data, including Fourier transforms and delay embedding techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the graph appears periodic and could be expressed as a sum of sine and cosine functions.
  • Another participant recommends looking into Fourier transforms as a method for analysis.
  • A different participant mentions that the data shows quasiperiodic characteristics based on the limited information available.
  • One participant offers to upload the actual data, noting a periodicity of 19 years but also indicating that the sequence seems disjointed.
  • A participant questions the sufficiency of the data for conducting spectral analysis using fast Fourier transforms (FFTs).
  • Another participant suggests examining the data modulo small integers to identify patterns that could assist in fitting it to a modified sine curve.
  • One participant expresses a willingness to learn Fourier transforms to better interpret the data.
  • Another participant elaborates on the idea of transforming data points to assess periodicity and near-periodicity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on how to interpret the graph and analyze the data, with no consensus reached on a definitive method or conclusion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the amount of data available and the potential challenges in applying certain mathematical techniques, such as spectral analysis.

navneet1990
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help in interpreting a graph - URGENT

hello!

i obtained this graph after a study
could anyone please help me in interpreting it
like
i want to know whether it follows any definite pattern
any arithematic,geometric progression or a parabolic equation or anything??

thank you

nave
 

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It looks periodic, so you could express it as a sum of sine and cosine functions.
 
how do i do that??
is there anything being formed
could you state it

do you want more data
i could forward to you my data
some more information
would that help??
 
Last edited:
Look up Fourier transforms.
 
You could do some time-delay embedding.

Looks quasiperiodic from the limited data you have.
 
I can upload the actual data .
The data has a periodicity of 19 years. But in between it seems disjointed. The sequence is like this :
9
28
18
8
26
15
4
23
11
0
19
9
27
17
6
25
13
2
21
9
28
18
7
26
15
4
22
12
0
19
9
28
16
6
24
13
2
21
10
29
18
 
Uh.Huh. It is beyond me!
 
navneet1990 said:
Uh.Huh. It is beyond me!

What? You asked for suggestions without telling us anything about what you want to do, or the level of math you're comfortable with, and we've accordingly given you suggestions.
 
I am 12th grade student from India. I have obtained this data for a project . I am comfortable with trignometry , Calculus etc. But I can learn Fourier transforms if it helps me interpret the data effectively. Please give your suggestions. And thanks for the follow-up.
 
  • #10
Is that all the data you have?

What results do you want?

Graphically, look up the delay-embedding, in say, Yorke, Alligood and Yorke - Introduction to dynamical systems and chaos (I think that's the title.)

I don't think there's enough data for a spectral analysis using ffts...
 
  • #11
I am studying the new moons dates while it transits a particular constellation from 2000-2040. I wish to know if an equation can be derived to arrive at the dates say 2100 for similar star positions using this formulae .
 
  • #12
another graph

hope this helps
 

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Last edited:
  • #13
I recommend looking at the data modulo small integers -- say 10 through 60. See if anything comes up. That will help you fit it to a modified sine curve, or at least show potential problems of doing so.
 
  • #14
could you elaborate more on that
 
  • #15
navneet1990 said:
could you elaborate more on that

Sure. For made-up data points (31, 1), (41, 10), (51, -5), (61, 1), (81, -5), (101, 10) you'll notice that when x is 1 mod 30 there's one value, when x is 11 mod 30 there's another, and when x is 21 mod 30 there's a third. Just transform your data so it's all in the form (a*n + b, y) with some fixed y in the suggested range (roughly, the expected period) and see how similar y values are across points with the same b values. If the data are periodic, there should be some choice of n that makes them line up perfectly; if they are near-periodic, then some choice of n should make them line up well (perhaps with a little bit of correlation with the a value, perhaps with just random variation).
 
  • #16
if you use your theory in my graphwhat would be the results?
 

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