Photoelectric photometry - an approach to data reduction

The reduction of photoelectric photometry data is examined, and a reduction method which differs significantly from Hardie's (1966) traditional approach is reviewed. Consisting of a multilinear solution for all transformation model parameters, the technique is suitable for modern computing facilities. Programs for broad-band and intermediate-band systems, mathematical solutions, and generalizations are presented, with the most general situation being photometry on different telescopes on different nights. Sample results are given to illustrate the multinight reduction method, and are compared to results of single-night reduction. Practical aspects and advantages are also discussed, and the reduction algorithm is found to be sufficiently powerful and applicable to many general situations, allowing judgments about the data to be made more easily and effectively.