A Sample of Astronomical Time Series

The observation of variability in astronomical systems provides astronomers with valuable information on the physical nature of the system. The types of variability which astronomers deal with can be periodic, quasi-periodic, or aperiodic. We collect and describe a number of time series data sets which exemplify the types of problems encountered by the modern astronomer and which demonstrate some of the methodological challenges they face. The Sample includes data sets with periodic, quasi-periodic and aperiodic behavior, sparse and unevenly spaced sampling, and paired time series requiring cross-correlation. The data sets in the Sample are available on diskette, over the Internet using the World Wide Web, or by electronic mail. We hope that statisticians and time series analysts will nd problems of interest and be stimulated to apply new techniques to astronomical problems.