Orbital period of eclipsing binaries

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the orbital period of an eclipsing binary using provided data, with a focus on expressing the result in a predictive equation form for future eclipses. Participants explore various methods and equations relevant to this calculation, including the implications of data quality and periodicity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to calculate the orbital period of an eclipsing binary and express it in a predictive equation format using HJDs.
  • Another participant suggests a potential equation format, ##t=T_0 + kT##, where T0 is an offset, T is the period, and k is an integer representing the eclipse number.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the meaning of "offset" and the variables in the equation, asking for clarification on how to apply their HJD data.
  • Concerns are raised about the periodicity of the data, with one participant noting that the data does not appear periodic unless a significant number of eclipses are missing.
  • Suggestions include calculating time differences to find a common divisor and considering Fourier transformation as a method to analyze the data.
  • One participant calculates a potential orbital period of 40.913 HJD based on differences in HJDs but acknowledges the ambiguity in confirming its correctness without further data.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the periodicity of the data and the methods to determine the orbital period. There is no consensus on the best approach or the validity of the calculated period.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the quality of the provided data, the ambiguity in determining the true orbital period, and the dependence on the definitions of the variables used in the equations.

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based on the data in the table I want to calculate the orbital period of the eclipsing binary but I want to state my answer in equation form so that any observer can predict the times of future eclipses. Does anyone have an idea on how I go about doing that with the given data. I tried to find a standard equation that I can essentially plug my HJDs into express the period of eclipsing binary. Any ideas would be great. thanks pf.
 

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That doesn't look periodic, unless most (like >90%) eclipses are missing for some reason.

As type of the equation, you are probably looking for something like ##t=T_0 + kT## with an offset T0, a period T and an integer k (numbering the eclipses).
 
the data I was given is ment to be practice for myself so that when I am presented with the full data I will be able to process it. could you show me how to plug my HJD into the equation? what does offset mean as far as my data goes? and if T stands for period what does "t" stand for?
 
mfb said:
That doesn't look periodic, unless most (like >90%) eclipses are missing for some reason.

As type of the equation, you are probably looking for something like ##t=T_0 + kT## with an offset T0, a period T and an integer k (numbering the eclipses).

okay I read a some stuff online and I understand what you saying. the data I was given is spotty and that was intentional. how can I determine T if I do not know my K value given my offset value (To) equals my secondary minimum 48869.627?
 
Calculate the time differences, look for something similar to a largest common divisor (not exact, but approximately).
Alternatively, try a Fourier transformation, it might give some interesting results.

If a period T fits, periods T/3, T/5 and so on fit as well - there is no way to resolve that ambiguity, but T is more likely (otherwise you have a very special set of observations).
 
I never thought to use Fourier transformation for it...though to be honest that maybe over thinking the problem...I feel that the answer is in front of me I just can't figure it out. I calculated differences in HJDs to see what was the lowest value I could get from the difference moving down the list secondary minimum to secondary minimum. I determined that the lowest orbital period I could get with doing this is 40.913HJD which was calculated by subtracting (49899.744-49858.831)HJD. But I agree with you 100%. there is no way to resolve that ambiguity so I am not sure how I will know that the period I calculated is the correct one, and not some multiple of the true period.
 

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