New observable for gravitational lensing effects during transits

TL;DR

This paper explores a new observable feature called 'rising spikes' in the light curve caused by gravitational lensing during exoplanet transits, which could help determine planetary parameters.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of rising spikes as a novel observable in gravitational lensing effects during transits, providing a new method for analyzing exoplanet characteristics.

Findings

Rising spikes are detectable features in transit light curves caused by gravitational lensing.

The effect can be used to infer physical parameters of exoplanets.

Detectability depends on observational precision and planetary properties.

Abstract

We investigate gravitational lensing effects of an extrasolar planet transiting its host star. We focus on the `rising spikes' of the light curve just before and after the transit, which is a peculiar feature of the gravitational lensing, and find that it could be a novel observable for determining physical parameters. Detectability of such an effect is also discussed.