New snnTorch Tutorial: Exoplanet Hunter by Undergraduate Students Ruhai Lin, Aled dela Cruz, and Karina Aguilar

See the tutorial here.

The transit method is a widely used and successful technique for detecting exoplanets. When an exoplanet transits its host star, it causes a temporary reduction in the star’s light flux (brightness). Compared to other techniques, the transmit method has has discovered the largest number of planets.

Astronomers use telescopes equipped with photometers or spectrophotometers to continuously monitor the brightness of a star over time. Repeated observations of multiple transits allows astronomers to gather more detailed information about the exoplanet, such as its atmosphere and the presence of moons.

Space telescopes like NASA’s Kepler and TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) have been instrumental in discovering thousands of exoplanets using the transit method. Without the Earth’s atmosphere in the way, there is less interference and more precise measurements are possible. The transit method continues to be a key tool in advancing our understanding of exoplanetary systems. For more information about transit method, you can visit NASA Exoplanet Exploration Page.