# Efficient Follow-Up of Exoplanet Transits Using Small Telescopes

## TL;DR

This paper introduces an online tool and procedure for small telescopes to predict exoplanet transit light curves, improving observation planning and increasing transit data collection by non-specialists.

## Contribution

It presents a novel online prediction tool and methodology based on differential photometry for small telescopes to optimize exoplanet transit observations.

## Key findings

- Successful application with 0.4m telescopes
- Enhanced planning for transit observations
- Potential to increase data collection by amateurs

## Abstract

This paper is to introduce an online tool for the prediction of exoplanet transit light curves. Small telescopes can readily capture exoplanet transits under good weather conditions when the combination of a bright star and a large transiting exoplanet results in a significant depth of transit. However, in reality there are many considerations that need to be made in order to obtain useful measurements. This paper and accompanying website layout a procedure based on time series differential photometry that has been successfully employed using 0.4m aperture telescopes to predict the expected precision for a whole light curve. This enables robust planning to decide whether the observation of a particular exoplanet transit should be attempted and in particular to be able to readily see when it should not to be attempted. This may result in a significant increase in the number of transit observations captured by non-specialists. The technique and website are also appropriate for planning a variety of variable star observations where a prediction of the light curve can be made.