Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics
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, and have been involved in the discoveries of all planets found by microlensing as of 2006. Observations are conducted at New Zealand's Mt. John Observatory using a 1.8 m (70.9 in) reflector telescope built for the project.
MOA telescope mirror images
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Underside of main mirror -
Secondary mirror -
Main mirror, side view
Planets discovered
The following planets have been announced by this survey, some in conjunction with other surveys.
| Planet | Date announced |
|---|---|
| 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
- Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment or OGLE, a similar microlensing survey
- List of extrasolar planets
External links
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