Search for transiting exoplanets and variable stars in the open cluster NGC 7243

TL;DR

This study reports the detection of a transit-like signal, new eclipsing binaries, and pulsating variables in the open cluster NGC 7243 through five observational campaigns, advancing understanding of young stellar objects and exoplanet candidates.

Contribution

First comprehensive monitoring of NGC 7243 revealing potential exoplanets, eclipsing binaries, and pulsating stars, with detailed light curves and system parameters.

Findings

Detected a transit-like signal in star J221550.6+495611

Identified 37 new eclipsing binary stars

Discovered 26 new pulsating variable stars

Abstract

We report results of the first five observing campaigns for the open stellar cluster NGC 7243 in the frame of project Young Exoplanet Transit Initiative (YETI). The project focuses on the monitoring of young and nearby stellar clusters, with the aim to detect young transiting exoplanets, and to study other variability phenomena on time-scales from minutes to years. After five observing campaigns and additional observations during 2013 and 2014, a clear and repeating transit-like signal was detected in the light curve of J221550.6+495611. Furthermore, we detected and analysed 37 new eclipsing binary stars in the studied region. The best fit parameters and light curves of all systems are given. Finally, we detected and analysed 26 new, presumably pulsating variable stars in the studied region. The follow-up investigation of these objects, including spectroscopic measurements of the exoplanet candidate, is currently planned.