Multivariate comparisons of the period–light-curve shape distributions of Cepheids in five galaxies
Abstract
A number of published tests suitable for the comparison of multivariate distributions are
described. The results of a small power study, based on realistic Cepheid log period – Fourier
coefficient data, are presented. It is found that a statistic due to Henze has good general
performance. The tests are applied to Cepheid observations in the Milky Way galaxy, Large
Magellanic Cloud, Small Magellanic Cloud, IC 1613 and NGC 6822. The null hypothesis of
equal populations is rejected for all pairs compared, except IC 1613 – NGC 6822.