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The ASAS-SN catalogue of variable stars - II. Uniform classification of 412 000 known variables

Publication at Faculty of Mathematics and Physics |
2019

Abstract

The variable stars in the VSX catalogue are derived from a multitude of inhomogeneous data sources and classification tools. This inhomogeneity complicates our understanding of variable star types, statistics, and properties, and it directly affects attempts to build training sets for current (and next) generation all-sky, time-domain surveys.

We homogeneously analyse the All-Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN) V-band light curves of similar to 412 000 variables from the VSX catalogue. The variables are classified using an updated random forest classifier with an F1 score of 99.4 per cent and refinement criteria for individual classifications.

We have derived periods for similar to 52 000 variables in the VSX catalogue that lack a period, and have reclassified similar to 17 000 sources into new broad variability groups with high confidence. We have also reclassified similar to 94 000 known variables with miscellaneous/generic classifications.

The light curves, classifications, and a range of properties of the variables are all available through the ASAS-SN Variable Stars Database (https://asas-sn.osu.edu/variables). We also include the V-band light curves for a set of similar to 4000 rare variables and transient sources, including cataclysmic variables, symbiotic binaries, and flare stars.