Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics

The Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) telescope dome at the top of Mount John

Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) is a collaborative project between researchers in New Zealand and Japan, led by Professor Yasushi Muraki of Nagoya University. They use microlensing to observe dark matter, extra-solar planets, and stellar atmospheres from the Southern Hemisphere. The group concentrates especially on the detection and observation of gravitational microlensing events of high magnification, of order 100 or more, as these provide the greatest sensitivity to extrasolar planets. They work with other groups in Australia, the United States and elsewhere. Observations are conducted at New Zealand's Mt. John University Observatory using a 1.8 m (70.9 in) reflector telescope built for the project.

MOA telescope mirror images

Planets discovered

The following planets have been announced by this survey, some in conjunction with other surveys.

Planet Date announced
MOA-2007-BLG-197Lb May 2015
MOA-2008-BLG-379Lb November 2013
MOA-2011-BLG-322Lb September 2013
MOA-bin-1b May 2012
MOA-2009-BLG-387L February 2011
MOA-2007-BLG-400Lb September 18, 2008
MOA-2007-BLG-192Lb May 30, 2008
OGLE-2003-BLG-235/MOA-2003-BLG-53b April 15, 2004

See also

External links

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