Searching for p-modes in MOST Procyon data: Another view

Abstract

Photometry of Procyon obtained by the MOST satellite in 2004 has been searched for p modes by several groups, with sometimes contradictory interpretations. We explore two possible factors that complicate the analysis and may lead to erroneous reports of p modes in these data. Two methods are used to illustrate the role of subtle instrumental effects in the photometry: time-frequency analysis, and a search for regularly spaced peaks in a Fourier spectrum based on the echelle diagramme approach. We find no convincing evidence of a p-mode signal in the MOST Procyon data. We can account for an apparent excess of power close to the p-mode frequency range and signs of structure in an echelle diagramme in terms of instrumental effects.

Article accepted, to appear in A&A

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Cited by in corpus (3)

• A multi-site campaign to measure solar-like oscillations in Procyon. I. Observations, Data Reduction and Slow Variations
• Solar-like oscillations and activity in Procyon: A comparison of the 2007 MOST and ground-based radial velocity campaigns
• Recovery of p-modes in the combined 2004-2005 MOST observations of Procyon