Uncertainty Estimation in Exoplanet System Parameters

The NASA Exoplanet Archive contains published data for various stellar and planetary parameters, based on the combined work of hundreds of research teams. For cases where a parameter has been estimated multiple times, the opportunity exists to compare the variance in an estimated parameter value with the reported uncertainties. This study focuses on eleven system parameters that are needed for interpreting transit spectroscopy observations and finds evidence for systematic overestimation of uncertainties occurring in seven cases and systematic underestimation of uncertainties occurring in two cases. The fact that the systematic over/under estimation of uncertainties appears to be correlated with specific system parameters is identified as an area of interest for potential future inquiry.