Preliminary Evaluation of the Kepler Input Catalog Extinction Model Using Stellar Temperatures

Abstract

The Kepler Input Catalog (KIC) provides reddening estimates for its stars, based on the assumption of a simple exponential dusty screen. This project focuses on evaluating and improving these reddening estimates for the KIC's giant stars, for which extinction is a much more significant concern than for the nearby dwarf stars. We aim to improve the calibration (and thus consistency) amongst various photometric and spectroscopic temperatures of stars in the Kepler field by removing systematics due to incorrect extinction assumptions. The revised extinction estimates may then be used to derive improved stellar and planetary properties. We plan to eventually use the large number of KIC stars as probes into the structure and properties of the Galactic ISM.