Automatic Determination of Stellar Parameters via Asteroseismology of Stochastically Oscillating Stars: Comparison with Direct Measurements

Abstract

Space-based projects are providing a wealth of high-quality asteroseismic data, including frequencies for a large number of stars showing solar-like oscillations. These data open the prospect for precise determinations of key stellar parameters, of particular value to the study of extra-solar planetary systems. Given the quantity of the available and expected data it is important to develop efficient and reliable techniques for analyzing them, including the determination of stellar parameters from the observed frequencies. Here we present the SEEK package developed for the analysis of asteroseismic data from the Kepler mission. A central goal of the package is to obtain a fast and automatic determination of the stellar radius and other parameters, in a form that is statistically well-defined. The algorithms are tested by comparing the results of the analysis with independent measurements of stellar radius and mass, for a sample of well-observed stars. We conclude that the SEEK package fixes stellar parameters with accuracy and precision.