Nearly 300 extrasolar planets have been detected in orbit around nearby stars. The discovery that some of these planets can be observed in transit has added an additional element of excitement to the quest for alien solar systems. Furthermore, the past decade has seen the introduction of highly affordable small telescopes equipped with sensitive CCD detectors. Many amateur astronomers own observatories which, when properly configured, are capable of reliably detecting the periodic dimming that occurs when a close-in giant planet passes in front of its parent star as seen from Earth. This technique has been used by amateurs worldwide to detect planetary transits.

Transitsearch.org participants have recently discovered that the planet HD 17156 b transits its parent star. This planet has a three-week orbital period, and is by far the longest-period transiting planet discovered to date. This discovery is an important scientific result.

Transitsearch enables experienced amateur astronomers to observe and discover transiting extrasolar planets. Our strategy is to observe candidate planet-bearing stars at the dates and times when transits are expected to possibly occur.

Observers worldwide are encouraged to participate. The Transitsearch website provides up-to-date ephemeris and transit search results for a wide variety of candidate stars. Results obtained by transitsearch participants should be submitted to the Amateur Exoplanet Archive (AXA). See here for more details.

Although transiting Jupiter-sized planets can be observed using ordinary commercial-grade telescopes and CCD detectors, a great deal of dedication and patience is required. The discoveries made by the transitsearch network will be confirmed by professional observers and the publication of the discoveries will credit the contributing members of the detection network as both discoverers and co-authors.

Members of the public who want to participate in extrasolar planet research, but who do not own telescopes, are encouraged to join the ongoing systemic collaboration, located on the web at oklo.org.

Last updated: April 04, 2008 19:39 PDT.

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