Determination of the sizes of exoplanets using light curves
Determination of the sizes of exoplanets using light curves
Date
2026
Authors
Ssebuufu, Muzafalu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Makerere University
Abstract
This dissertation presents a study of the determination of exoplanet sizes using light curves derived from space-based observations, specifically data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). By analyzing the transit method and applying open-source tools such as the Plight curve and Lightkurve, i demonstrate a method for extracting planetary radii from photometric data, using the exoplanet WASP-12b.This work demonstrates the application of the transit method in exoplanetary science, underscoring its effectiveness in producing scientifically relevant results. The study highlights the importance of reproducibility in astronomical observations and the contributions of modern missions in advancing our understanding of exoplanets.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the School of Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science with Education of Makerere University.
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES::Physics::Elementary particle physics::Astroparticle physics,
Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES::Physics
Citation
Ssebuufu, M. (2026). Determination of the sizes of exoplanets using light curves. (Unpublished Undergraduate Dissertation). Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.