Characterization of transiting exoplanets by way of differential photometry

TL;DR

This paper presents an educational activity for analyzing exoplanet transits using differential photometry, helping students understand key astrophysical concepts and determine exoplanet parameters from telescope images.

Contribution

It introduces a simple, accessible method for high school and undergraduate students to learn about exoplanet characterization through digital photometry analysis.

Findings

Students can accurately determine exoplanet size and orbit from images.

The activity enhances understanding of the transit method and photometry.

The approach is suitable for educational settings to teach astrophysics concepts.

Abstract

This paper describes a simple activity for plotting and characterizing the light curve from an exoplanet transit event by way of differential photometry analysis. Using free digital imaging software, participants analyse a series of telescope images with the goal of calculating various exoplanet parameters, including its size, orbital radius and habitability. The activity has been designed for a high school or undergraduate university level and introduces fundamental concepts in astrophysics and an understanding of the basis for exoplanetary science, the transit method and digital photometry.