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Transiting exoplanet observation and image analysis
Crawford, Whitney
Crawford, Whitney
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2023-04-07
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Crawford, Whitney. 2023. Transiting exoplanet observation and image analysis. -- In Proceedings: 22nd Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University, p. 12
Abstract
Exoplanet research today is one of the fastest growing areas of interest for astronomers, with the total number of exoplanets discovered reaching 5,000 in number and captured by both researchers and astronomers alike. However, analyzing captured images requires using complex astrometry programs and careful guidance to achieve accurate results. Results come in the form of the star's light curve, which represents the amount of light that a camera is exposed to over the observation period. The goal of this research is to determine if an amateur astronomer can successfully choose a target star, operate a telescope to capture a set of images of the star, and then use photometry to analyze the light curve of the star. A dip in the light curve would indicate an object transiting the star, thus indicating the possibility of an exoplanet. This project was done in conjunction with a wide-aperture telescope and the image analysis tool AstroImageJ, which is widely used in the astronomy community. The light curves obtained from this project indicate the possible existence of exoplanets and will be compared to existing light curves to further determine their validity. This research also aims to serve as a tutorial for future exoplanet research.
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Presented to the 22nd Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 7, 2023.
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Wichita State University
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URCAF
v.22
v.22