Ground-Based follow-up observations of TOI-3779.01
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We present ground-based photometric follow-up observations of the TESS Object of Interest TOI 3779.01, a candidate exoplanet first identified by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Observations were conducted using the 0.8 m telescope at George Mason University with 95-second exposures through a red filter. The raw images were calibrated with darks and flats, aligned, and plate-solved using AstroImageJ. Aperture photometry was performed with apertures optimized from the seeing profile, which measured a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 10.57 pixels (~3.83″). The final light curve reveals a distinct transit consistent with predicted ingress and egress times, with a measured depth of approximately 6.93 parts per thousand (ppt). Our analysis supports the planetary interpretation of TOI 3779.01 and demonstrates the capability of modest-aperture, ground-based telescopes to provide high-precision transit photometry. The stability of the seeing profile and low residual scatter (~7 ppt) after detrending highlight the robustness of the dataset. These results not only strengthen the case for TOI 3779.01 as a true exoplanet candidate but also showcase the effectiveness of undergraduate-accessible observatories in contributing to the TESS follow-up program.
DOI: 10.13021/mars/15175
Authors: Mummaneni, Rithik, Kolluri, Vasudha, Plavchan, Peter
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7092209583
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