Astronomical selection function (source code)

= Astronomical selection function
{title2=$S(d)\in[0,1]$}

An <astronomical selection function> specifies the probability that an object or its measured data enter a catalogue. It can depend on sky position, flux, colour, angular extent, time sampling and follow-up success. A generative calculation combines the parent population, instrument response, measurement noise and inclusion rule. A selection cut on latent properties must be propagated through the measurement <likelihood> rather than substituted for a cut on observed quantities.