Reliable inference of exoplanet light curve parameters using deterministic and stochastic systematics models

Understand

Time-series photometry and spectroscopy of transiting exoplanets allow us to study their atmospheres.

• Unfortunately, the required precision to extract atmospheric information surpasses the design specifications of most general purpose instrumentation, resulting in instrumental systematics in the light curves that are typically larger than the target precision.
• Systematics must therefore be modelled, leaving the inference of light curve parameters conditioned on the subjective choice of models and model selection criteria.
• This paper aims to test the reliability of the most commonly used systematics models and model selection criteria.