Abstract
A fundamental challenge for wide-field imaging surveys is obtaining follow-up spectroscopic observations: there are >109 photometrically cataloged sources, yet modern spectroscopic surveys are limited to ∼few× 106 targets. As we approach the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope era, new algorithmic solutions are required to cope with the data deluge. Here we report the development of a machine-learning framework capable of inferring fundamental stellar parameters (T eff, log g, and [Fe/H]) using photometric-brightness variations and color alone. A training set is constructed from a systematic spectroscopic survey of variables with Hectospec/Multi-Mirror Telescope. In sum, the training set includes ∼9000 spectra, for which stellar parameters are measured using the SEGUE Stellar Parameters Pipeline (SSPP). We employed the random forest algorithm to perform a non-parametric regression that predicts T eff, log g, and [Fe/H] from photometric time-domain observations. Our final optimized model produces a cross-validated rms error (RMSE) of 165 K, 0.39 dex, and 0.33 dex for T eff, log g, and [Fe/H], respectively. Examining the subset of sources for which the SSPP measurements are most reliable, the RMSE reduces to 125 K, 0.37 dex, and 0.27 dex, respectively, comparable to what is achievable via low-resolution spectroscopy. For variable stars this represents a ≈12%-20% improvement in RMSE relative to models trained with single-epoch photometric colors. As an application of our method, we estimate stellar parameters for ∼54,000 known variables. We argue that this method may convert photometric time-domain surveys into pseudo-spectrographic engines, enabling the construction of extremely detailed maps of the Milky Way, its structure, and history.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 122 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 798 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 10 2015 |
Keywords
- methods: data analysis
- methods: statistical
- stars: general
- stars: statistics
- stars: variables: general
- surveys
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science
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Abundances from SEGUE Stellar Parameters Pipeline
Miller, A. A. (Creator), Bloom, J. S. (Creator), Richards, J. W. (Creator), Lee, Y. S. (Creator), Starr, D. L. (Creator), Butler, N. R. (Creator), Tokarz, S. (Creator), Smith, N. (Creator) & Eisner, J. A. (Creator), Centre de Donnees Strasbourg (CDS), 2015
DOI: 10.26093/cds/vizier.17980122, https://cdsarc.cds.unistra.fr/viz-bin/cat/J/ApJ/798/122
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