Open AccessReal‐time difference imaging analysis of MOA Galactic bulge observations during 2000
Author(s) -
Bond I.A.,
Abe F.,
Dodd R.J.,
Hearnshaw J.B.,
Honda M.,
Jugaku J.,
Kilmartin P.M.,
Marles A.,
Masuda K.,
Matsubara Y.,
Muraki Y.,
Nakamura T.,
Nankivell G.,
Noda S.,
Noguchi C.,
Ohnishi K.,
Rattenbury N.J.,
Reid M.,
Saito To.,
Sato H.,
Sekiguchi M.,
Skuljan J.,
Sullivan D.J.,
Sumi T.,
Takeuti M.,
Watase Y.,
Wilkinson S.,
Yamada R.,
Yanagisawa T.,
Yock P.C.M.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-8711.2001.04776.x
Subject(s) - gravitational microlensing , physics , bulge , astrophysics , astronomy , stars , gravitational lens , magnification , parallax , exoplanet , planet , light curve , galaxy , redshift , optics
We describe observations carried out by the MOA group of the Galactic bulge during 2000 that were designed to detect efficiently gravitational microlensing of faint stars in which the magnification is high and/or of short duration. These events are particularly useful for studies of extrasolar planets and faint stars. Approximately 17 deg 2 were monitored at a sampling rate of up to six times per night. The images were analysed in real time using a difference imaging technique. 20 microlensing candidates were detected, of which eight were alerted to the microlensing community whilst in progress. Approximately half of the candidates had high magnifications (≳10), at least one had very high magnification (≳50), and one exhibited a clear parallax effect. The details of these events are reported here, together with details of the on‐line difference imaging technique. Some nova‐like events were also observed and these are described, together with one asteroid.