Batse gamma-ray burst line search. II. Bayesian consistency methodology

Authors

D. L. Band, University of California, San Diego
L. A. Ford, University of California, San Diego
J. L. Matteson, University of California, San Diego
M. Briggs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
W. Paciesas, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
G. Pendleton, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
R. Preece, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
D. Palmer, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
B. Teegarden, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
B. Schaefer, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-20-1994

Abstract

We describe a Bayesian methodology to evaluate the consistency between the reported Ginga and BATSE detections of absorption features in gamma-ray burst spectra. Currently no features have been detected by BATSE, but this methodology will still be applicable if and when such features are discovered. The Bayesian methodology permits the comparison of hypotheses regarding the two detectors' observations and makes explicit the subjective aspects of our analysis (e.g., the quantification of our confidence in detector performance). We also present non-Bayesian consistency statistics. Based on preliminary calculations of line detectability, we find that both the Bayesian and non-Bayesian techniques show that the BATSE and Ginga observations are consistent given our understanding of these detectors.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Astrophysical Journal

First Page

560

Last Page

569

Recommended Citation

Band, D., Ford, L., Matteson, J., Briggs, M., Paciesas, W., Pendleton, G., Preece, R., Palmer, D., Teegarden, B., & Schaefer, B. (1994). Batse gamma-ray burst line search. II. Bayesian consistency methodology. Astrophysical Journal, 434 (2), 560-569. https://doi.org/10.1086/174759