Abstract: Gravitational lenses were proposed by Albert Einstein in the course of developing the theory of general relativity. This thesis focuses on gravitational microlensing events and their application to the detection of low-mass exoplanets. It discusses the topology of planetary caustics, photometric observations of microlensing events monitored at Pico dos Dias Observatory, and a parameterization of source trajectories designed to increase the probability of detecting Earth-mass planets. The thesis also reports the analysis of candidate exoplanet detections, including one using data observed at OPD during the doctoral work.
Keywords: Exoplanets; Gravitational microlensing; General relativity; Photometry; Detection
Advisor: José Dias do Nascimento Júnior
Co-advisor:
Defense date: 2021-03-18
MSc Dissertation
Study of gravitational microlensing topology and the discovery of Earth-like exoplanets in the habitable zone
Authors: Leandro de Almeida
Year: 2017 | Type: MSc dissertation
Institution: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)
Abstract: This MSc dissertation presents the equations behind gravitational microlensing theory and their application to the detection of distant, low-mass planets. It focuses on systems with close topology, planetary mass ratios comparable to Earth-like planets around solar-type stars, and source trajectory parameterizations designed to reduce the search time in simulated light curves. The work also describes two algorithms used to simulate the topology and light curves of microlensing events: a semi-analytical lens-equation method and an Inverse Ray Shooting method.
Abstract: This work outlines the methodology used in telescope and astrophotography workshops. The mini-course trains participants to operate motorized telescopes, perform basic maintenance and optical collimation, and understand current image-processing techniques used in astrophotography. The chapter covers topics ranging from telescope optics to the final processing steps for astronomical images.
