A search for transit timing variation

TL;DR

This paper discusses an international campaign to detect transit timing variations in exoplanets, aiming to discover additional bodies in these systems, with initial results indicating a possible perturber near WASP-3b.

Contribution

It introduces a novel observational strategy using a global network of telescopes to detect transit timing variations in transiting exoplanets.

Findings

Evidence for a 15 Earth-mass perturber near WASP-3b

Detection of transit timing variations in selected exoplanets

First results from a worldwide observational campaign

Abstract

Photometric follow-ups of transiting exoplanets (TEPs) may lead to discoveries of additional, less massive bodies in extrasolar systems. This is possible by detecting and then analysing variations in transit timing of transiting exoplanets. In 2009 we launched an international observing campaign, the aim of which is to detect and characterise signals of transit timing variation (TTV) in selected TEPs. The programme is realised by collecting data from 0.6--2.2-m telescopes spread worldwide at different longitudes. We present our observing strategy and summarise first results for WASP-3b with evidence for a 15 Earth-mass perturber in an outer 2:1 orbital resonance.