How to Estimate Background Levels in Photon Count Data?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on estimating background levels in photon count data from 20 successive 500-second bins containing raw counts. The primary method suggested involves extracting photon counts from a region devoid of any sources to accurately determine the background level. Additionally, the use of statistical methods to evaluate variance is mentioned as a potential alternative approach. This foundational understanding is crucial for assessing the significance of potential eclipses in the data.

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Homework Statement



I have been given some data, which is 20 successive 500second bins containing raw photon counts.(ie signal+data)
The xray source is known to show flaring and from optical properties one suspects that it may show eclipses lasting ~1000sec.

I need to estimate the significance of any possible eclipse in the data.
BUT first i need to find the background level in the raw counts data.
How do i get started on this?

thanks
 
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Generally, the background level is estimated from an extraction of the photon counts in a region that doe not contain the source (any source)...
As an alternative (maybe) you can consider a certain statistics, and then value the variance, but I am not sure of this.
 

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