Gravitational Microlensing Uncovers Extrasolar Planet

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Gravitational Microlensing Uncovers Extrasolar
Planet

• by John Burdette
• Link to article

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Gravitational Microlensing

• Using large masses
• Acts as magnifying glass
• Theory of relativity

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Extrasolar Planets

• Planets within solar system
• Planets outside solar system
• Planetary wobble

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How to Use Gravitational Microlensing

• One in 100 million stars
• Viewing window small
• Results easy to see
• Sensitive equipment not required

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Planets Previously Found

• Count up to 123 planets
• Alternate techniques
• Photo Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech

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Case in Study

• Planets size like Jupiters
• Sagittarius
• 17,000 light years away

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Advantages to Microlensing

• Why choose gravitational microlensing?
• Other methods used
• Finding another Earth

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Finding Another Earth

• All planets found are like Jupiter
• Rare chance to observe planets
• Low amount of funding
• Past techniques and small extrasolar planets

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Gravitational Microlensing and Another Earth

• First technique able to see these
• Still small chance
• Still low funding
• Naturally occurring technique

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Future of Planet Searching

• Gravitational Microlensing
• Low resolution equipment
• Can be done by amateurs