Measuring transit timing variations of exoplanets using small telescopes

Thesis: S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, 2010.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 57-58).
Transits of exoplanets were observed from June 2009 through January 2010. Six transit light curves are presented in this paper for three planets: WASP-10b, WASP- 11/HAT-P-10b, and TrES-3. Measurements of the planetary radii, semi-major axis, transit duration, and period confirmed literature values to within two sigma. Transit timing variations were not observed in these systems, but calculations show that it would be possible to measure transit timing variations induced by large exomoons (greater than about 6 Earth masses) in the WASP-11/HAT-P-10b system. Challenges of exoplanet observation from small telescopes are discussed. It was determined that overall, transit measurements of many exoplanets using small telescopes can be successful and scientifically useful.
by Caroline V. Morley.
S.B.