Exoplanet Science Using University of Wyoming Observatories

The University of Wyoming is home to the 2.3-m Wyoming Infrared Observatory (WIRO) and the 0.6-m Red Buttes Observatory (RBO). These facilities enable research in exoplanet detection and characterization. Transit observations at RBO have led to the discoveries of KELT-9b and KELT-21b. Multi-band photometry of HD 189733b at WIRO has helped to characterize its atmosphere. New instrumentation under construction at WIRO include installation of diffusers for better PSF control and an echelle spectrograph (FHiRE: Fiber-fed High Resolution Echelle). FHiRE is poised to become a precision radial velocity measurement instrument for long-term RV monitoring of candidate exoplanet host stars. As TESS identifies new planet candidates, our facilities will make significant contributions toward exoplanet discovery and characterization.