Earth-based telescopes get better at observing exoplanets

Scientists, including those of Indian origin, have developed a new, low-cost attachment to telescopes that allows previously unachievable precision in ground-based observations of exoplanets. With the new attachment, ground-based telescopes can produce measurements of light intensity that rival the highest quality photometric observations from space. Researchers, including those from Pennsylvania State University in the US, created custom “beam-shaping” diffusers – carefully structured micro-optic devices that spread incoming light across an image – that are capable of minimising distortions from the Earth’s atmosphere that can reduce the precision of ground-based observations.

“This inexpensive technology delivers high photometric precision in observations of exoplanets as they transit the bright stars that they orbit,” said Gudmundur Stefansson, graduate student at Penn State.
“This technology is especially relevant considering the impending launch of NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) early in 2018,” said Stefansson, lead author of the research published in the Astrophysical Journal. Diffusers are small pieces of glass that can be easily adapted to mount onto a variety of telescopes.

Because of their low cost and adaptability, Stefansson believes that diffuser-assisted photometry will allow astronomers to make the most of the information from TESS, confirming new planet candidates from the ground. “Beam-shaping diffusers are made using …read more