The Microlensing Planet Finder: completing the census of extrasolar planets in the Milky Way
- 12 October 2004
- proceedings article
- Published by SPIE-Intl Soc Optical Eng
- p. 1453-1464
- https://doi.org/10.1117/12.551305
Abstract
The Microlensing Planet Finder (MPF) is a proposed Discovery mission that will complete the first census of extrasolar planets with sensitivity to planets like those in our own solar system. MPF will employ a 1.1m aperture telescope, which images a 1.3 sq. deg. field-of-view in the near-IR, in order to detect extrasolar planets with the gravitational microlensing effect. MPF's sensitivity extends down to planets of 0.1 Earth masses, and MPF can detect Earth-like planets at all separations from 0.7AU to infinity. MPF's extrasolar planet census will provide critical information needed to understand the formation and frequency of extrasolar planetary systems similar to our own.Keywords
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