Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics
Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics is a collaborative project between researchers in New Zealand and Japan, led by Professor Yasushi Muraki of Nagoya University. They use microlensing to observe dark matter, extra-solar planets, and stellar atmospheres from the Southern Hemisphere. The group concentrates especially on the detection and observation of gravitational microlensing events of high magnification, of order 100 or more, as these provide the greatest sensitivity to extrasolar planets. They work with other groups in Australia, the United States and elsewhere. Observations are conducted at New Zealand's Mt. John University Observatory using a reflector telescope built for the project.
MOA telescope mirror images
Planets discovered
The following planets have been announced by this survey, some in conjunction with other surveys.| Planet | Date announced |
| MOA-2007-BLG-197Lb | May 2015 |
| MOA-2008-BLG-379Lb | November 2013 |
| MOA-2011-BLG-322Lb | September 2013 |
| MOA-bin-1b | May 2012 |
| MOA-2009-BLG-387L | February 2011 |
| MOA-2007-BLG-400Lb | September 18, 2008 |
| MOA-2007-BLG-192Lb | May 30, 2008 |
| OGLE-2003-BLG-235/MOA-2003-BLG-53b | April 15, 2004 |