Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics


Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics is a collaborative project between researchers in New Zealand and Japan, led by Professor Yasushi Muraki of Nagoya University. They use microlensing to observe dark matter, extra-solar planets, and stellar atmospheres from the Southern Hemisphere. The group concentrates especially on the detection and observation of gravitational microlensing events of high magnification, of order 100 or more, as these provide the greatest sensitivity to extrasolar planets. They work with other groups in Australia, the United States and elsewhere. Observations are conducted at New Zealand's Mt. John University Observatory using a reflector telescope built for the project.

MOA telescope mirror images

Planets discovered

The following planets have been announced by this survey, some in conjunction with other surveys.
PlanetDate announced
MOA-2007-BLG-197LbMay 2015
MOA-2008-BLG-379LbNovember 2013
MOA-2011-BLG-322LbSeptember 2013
MOA-bin-1bMay 2012
MOA-2009-BLG-387LFebruary 2011
MOA-2007-BLG-400LbSeptember 18, 2008
MOA-2007-BLG-192LbMay 30, 2008
OGLE-2003-BLG-235/MOA-2003-BLG-53bApril 15, 2004