Year: 2001
Type: article
Abstract: We fit binary lens models to the data covering the initial part of real microlensing events in an attempt to predict the time of the second caustic crossing. We use approximations during the initial search through the parameter space for light curves that roughly match the observed ones. Exact methods for calculating the lens magnification of an extended source are used when we refine our best initial models. Our calculations show that the reliable prediction of the second crossing can only be made very late, when the light curve has risen appreciably after the minimum between the two caustic crossings. The best observational strategy is therefore to sample as frequently as possible once the light curve starts to rise after the minimum.
Authors: M. Jaroszynski, S. Mao
Institutions: Princeton University, University of Warsaw
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1988726596