Beskrivelse
Thesis level: Bachelor.Student name: Isabella A. Koch (SDU/FKF).
External censor: Hans Kjeldsen (AU).
Background and general objectives
This study aims to explore exoplanet detection using the transit method by simulating exoplanetary transits over a star. By replicating these transits in a controlled, small-scale setup, the study seeks to investigate the light curves generated during such events and utilise optimisation techniques for modelling the results. The experiment involves a practical experiment of a transit, utilising a homogeneous LED lamp and a highly sensitive sensor to record light curve data of a ball transiting the lamp with different limb darkening filters. The transit light curves are then analysed using different tools in Python including the PyTransit tool to apply optimisation algorithms to find the best-fit parameters. They are then compared to the theoretical models to assess the accuracy of the experiment. The experimental results show that the transit light curves are consistent with the theoretical expectations, including dips in relative intensity during transit. The light curves of this experiment reveal the effects of limb darkening, as well as the unexpected resemblance to exomoon
transits. This work holds educational significance by providing a hands-on, didactical framework for teaching astrophysical concepts in a more tangible way. The findings suggest that small-scale experiments can serve as effective tools for developing and testing algorithms before applying them to real-world exoplanet transit observations.