Exoplanets

Transit Method and Characteristics

Presenter: Kathryn Allen

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 20-21

Semester: Fall

Faculty Mentor: Scott Severson

Department: Physics & Astronomy

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pfqsIhvxc7dxK4vVzWadlfTPs9ZyxK9f

Abstract:
The transit method is one of the methods used to find exoplanets. This method measures the brightness of the star over time, creating a light curve. When an exoplanet crosses in front of its star, the star's brightness will lower. The transit method does not work for all star systems, and is dependent on the inclination. This method cannot determine mass, other methods are needed to determine the mass and more of characteristics. I developed a technique for measuring light curves, and I used my analysis from the light curve and physics to determine characteristics of exoplanets.