Solar Bayesian Analysis Toolkit -- a new Markov chain Monte Carlo IDL code for Bayesian parameter inference

Abstract

We present the Solar Bayesian Analysis Toolkit (SoBAT) which is a new easy to use tool for Bayesian analysis of observational data, including parameter inference and model comparison. SoBAT is aimed (but not limited) to be used for the analysis of solar observational data. We describe a new Interactive Data Language (IDL) code designed to facilitate the comparison of user-supplied model with data. Bayesian inference allows prior information to be taken into account. The use of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling allows efficient exploration of large parameter spaces and provides reliable estimation of model parameters and their uncertainties. The Bayesian evidence for different models can be used for quantitative comparison. The code is tested to demonstrate its ability to accurately recover a variety of parameter probability distributions. Its application to practical problems is demonstrated using studies of the structure and oscillation of coronal loops.

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• Two-Spacecraft Detection of Short-period Decayless Kink Oscillations of Solar Coronal Loops
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• Novel data analysis techniques in coronal seismology
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• The Role of High-frequency Transverse Oscillations in Coronal Heating
• Determination of small-scale magnetic fields on Sun-like stars in the near-infrared using CRIRES${}^{+}$
• A new look at the frequency-dependent damping of slow-mode waves in the solar corona
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• Localizing short-period pulsations in hard X-rays and Gamma-rays during an X9.0 flare
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• Characteristics and Energy Flux Distributions of Decayless Transverse Oscillations Depending on Coronal Regions
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• A Bayesian inference and model selection algorithm with an optimisation scheme to infer the model noise power
• A conclusive non-detection of magnetic field in the Am star o Peg with high-precision near-infrared spectroscopy
• Detecting fast-variation pulsations in solar hard X-ray and radio emissions
• Probing the Density Fine Structuring of the Solar Corona with Comet Lovejoy
• Accretion process, magnetic fields, and apsidal motion in the pre-main sequence binary DQ Tau
• Identification of Nonlinear Damping of Transverse Loop Oscillations by KHI-induced Turbulence
• X-Ray and Ultraviolet Flares on AT Microscopii Observed by AstroSat
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