Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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. 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.

[edit] MOA telescope mirror images

Underside of main mirror

Secondary mirror

Main mirror, side view

[edit] Planets discovered

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

[edit] See also

• Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment or OGLE, a similar microlensing survey
• List of extrasolar planets

[edit] External links

• MOA website
• MicroFUN - Microlensing Follow-Up Network