Example of spot activity included in the simulations (top) and the corresponding 8 year light curve, including convective granulation (bottom). The simulation has P_rot = 21 days, P_cycle = 5.4 years, δ_cycle = 0.45 years, and i = 83°. The vertical coloured lines highlight the extent of the light-curve segments considered in this work in addition to the full 8 year light curves: 6 months (yellow), 1 year (blue), 2 years (orange), 4 years (red), and 6 years (cyan).