Detecting Extrasolar Planet Transits from the South Pole

Abstract

We have developed and tested a wide-field photometer to detect extrasolar planet transits from the South Pole. The discovery of transiting planets for which masses can be measured by radial velocity is vital to constrain the models of planet formation and evolution. Short of going to space, the South Pole is the best site from which to carry out a such a survey. Based on results from the Doppler velocity surveys and the Vulcan transit search, we expect to detect 10 to 15 transiting planets in two years of operation at the South Pole.