Challenges in Timeseries Analysis from Microlensing. Issue Volume 12:Issue S325(2016) (30th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Street, R. A.
• Editors: Brescia, M.; Djorgovski, S.G.; Feigelson, E.; Longo, G.; Cavuoti, S.
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union. Volume 12:Issue S325(2016)
• Page Start: 253
• Page End: 258
• Publication Date: 2017-05-30
• Subjects: gravitational lensing, -- methods: data analysis, -- stars: planetary systems; Astronomy -- Congresses; Astronomy -- Periodicals; 520
• DOI: 10.1017/S1743921316012886
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9213

Abstract

Abstract: Despite a flood of discoveries over the last ~ 20 years, our knowledge of the exoplanet population is incomplete owing to a gap between the sensitivities of different detection techniques. However, a census of exoplanets at all separations from their host stars is essential to fully understand planet formation mechanisms. Microlensing offers an effective way to bridge the gap around 1–10 AU and is therefore one of the major science goals of the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission. WFIRST 's survey of the Galactic Bulge is expected to discover ~ 20, 000 microlensing events, including ~ 3000 planets, which represents a substantial data analysis challenge with the modeling software currently available. This paper highlights areas where further work is needed. The community is encouraged to join new software development efforts aimed at making the modeling of microlensing events both more accessible and rigorous.