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| Paper: |
Challenges in Data Analysis of Spitzer Exoplanet Observations |
| Volume: |
485, Astronomical Data Analysis Software and Systems XXIII |
| Page: |
407 |
| Authors: |
Carey, S.; Ingalls, J.; Grillmair, C.; Krick, J. |
| Abstract: |
Spitzer is NASA's premier mission for the characterization of
exoplanets. Spitzer's unique capabilities include its ability to obtain
long, continuous observations (hours to days); its very stable
photometry - demonstrated at 30 ppm (per epoch; 1-sigma); and its
wavelength coverage which allows it to sample thermal emission from hot
exoplanet atmospheres and constrain important chemical constituents with
strong spectral features in the 3 – 5 micron window. Extracting
high-precision photometry from the data is complicated by sources of
correlated noise which must be trended from the data. The Spitzer
operations team has identified and implemented several low cost, low
risk methods of mitigating correlated noise in high-precision staring
mode observations. These improvements include the precise mapping of the
intra-pixel gain via repeated observations of a standard star on the
same portion of a pixel until the photometric noise has been reduced
through co-addition. The resulting gain maps will enable reduction of
staring mode data without trending photometric variations from the
science data themselves. |
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