transit-least-squares

Detect exoplanet transits in stellar light curves using the transitleastsquares library.

Updated Jan 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/KaiserWhoLearns/skillsbench --skill transit-least-squares
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: transit-least-squares
Source: https://github.com/KaiserWhoLearns/skillsbench/tree/main/tasks/exoplanet-detection-period/environment/skills/transit-least-squares
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/KaiserWhoLearns/skillsbench --skill transit-least-squares

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Transit Least Squares (TLS) is a transit-detection method that fits realistic planet transit models to stellar light curves, outperforming generic periodograms for transit-shaped signals and enabling sensitive exoplanet discovery.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Detects periodic transit-like dips by fitting transit models across period, duration, and epoch.
  • Supports phase-folded visualization, model light curves, and transit masking for multi-planet searches.
  • Applicable to time-domain photometry from missions like Kepler/TESS; useful for discovery, validation, and characterization of exoplanets.

Quick Start

Create a TLS workflow by instantiating a transitleastsquares object with your time, flux, and flux_err arrays and running the power() method to search for transit signals.

Frequently Asked Questions about transit-least-squares

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I detect exoplanet transits in stellar light curves from Kepler or TESS data?▼

Detect exoplanet transits by using Transit Least Squares to fit realistic transit models across period, duration, and epoch in time-domain photometry data. It generates period power spectra and TLS diagnostics to identify periodic transit-like dips in stellar light curves.

Why does Transit Least Squares outperform generic periodograms for finding exoplanets?▼

Transit Least Squares outperforms generic periodograms because it fits realistic planet transit models to stellar light curves instead of generic sinusoidal signals. This transit-shaped detection mechanism enables more sensitive exoplanet discovery and validation.

Do I need flux error arrays to run a transit search on time-series photometry?▼

Yes, you need a flux_err array to run a transit search with proper weighting. Instantiating a Transit Least Squares object requires time, flux, and flux_err arrays to generate accurate period power spectra and TLS diagnostics.

Can I use transit detection for multi-planet searches in light curve data?▼

Yes, you can use transit detection for multi-planet searches in light curve data. The method supports transit masking for multi-planet searches, allowing you to iteratively detect, model, and mask transits to find additional planets in the same system.

What is the best way to visualize phase-folded light curves after detecting a transit signal?▼

The best way to visualize phase-folded light curves after detecting a transit signal is using the built-in phase-folded visualization and model light curve outputs. These features help validate transit-shaped signals and characterize exoplanet parameters.

Does this transit detection method work with single-planet transit searches in TESS photometry?▼

Yes, this transit detection method works with single-planet transit searches in TESS photometry. It applies to time-domain photometry data from missions like TESS and Kepler for both single- and multi-planet transit searches.