25th Annual Student Research Conference
Exoplanets in Transiting Systems
Rachel M. Kreher* and Michael G. Hermann
Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale, Faculty Mentor
We present analysis of data collected at the Truman Observatory on potential exoplanetary transiting systems. We begin by providing a brief overview of the current status of exoplanet detection, with a discussion of the Kepler mission. We describe selection criteria, such as brightness and position in the sky, applied to potential systems catalogued in publicly available databases. We elaborate on the data collection process which includes obtaining images of the targets over several nights, and processing the images to minimize noise and distortions. We present our results in the form of generated light curves, analyzing periodic dips in them which signify planetary transits. Finally, we recommend strategies for improving the efficiency of exoplanet detection and plans for further study of transiting systems at the Truman Observatory.
Keywords: Astrobiology, Exoplanet, Transit System, Light Curve
Topic(s):Astrobiology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 206-2
Location: MG 2090
Time: 9:45