The University of Arizona Astronomy Club Follow-up Observations of Known Exoplanets
Abstract
The University of Arizona Astronomy Club observed the transits of a series of extrasolar planets using the Steward Observatory 61” Kuiper Telescope. Observations of WASP-35b, WASP-43b, WASP-44b, WASP-48b, HAT-P-20b, and HAT-P-36b were taken in the Harris-R or Bessell-U filter. All of the selected planets are previously discovered hot Jupiters or hot Neptunes, but have not been studied extensively. Several have incomplete data and only partial light curves. We intend to confirm or improve upon published values for each planet's mass, radius, density, surface gravity, Safronov number, equilibrium temperature, orbital distance, and orbital inclination. Another goal is to obtain more complete light curves to look for transit timing variations. This project is also a way to familiarize undergraduate students with data reduction through the use of IRAF beyond in-class instruction.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #221
- Pub Date:
- January 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AAS...22134301J