A Search for Exoplanets in High Solar Metallicity Open Clusters Using a Large-Scale Photometric Algorithm

Overview

Open clusters can contain about 100 to 1,000 stars, with the stars being relatively young. These conditions make open clusters suitable for exoplanet formation, for new stars harbor a lot of dust and gas in their surrounding: two main factors in the process of new planet formation. However, the stars’ close proximity to each other creates a harsh environment for exoplanet formation, which is why scientists have not widely searched for exoplanets in open clusters. The purpose of this project was to observe whether exoplanets can form in open clusters with high solar metallicity, to further the understanding of planetary formation and evolution. For my research I operated the 0.4m optical telescopes affiliated with the las cumbres global telescope network (LCO). With these telescopes I took observations of open clusters NGC 6791, NGC 2112, and NGC 6253. A code was written which created 1,071 light curves to be analyzed for transits. As of now, five potential exoplanet candidates have been identified. Those exoplanets candidates are in the cluster of NGC 2112. 88 uncatalogued stars were also identified. My observations and analysis have shown that exoplanets may be cosmic extremophiles that are able to form and remain around stars in open clusters. Because exoplanet candidates were only found in the youngest cluster of NGC 2112, it suggests that planetary ejection may occur later in their lifetime, furthering the scientific understanding of planetary formation in crowded environments. Further observations with a larger telescope will be used to confirm these exoplanet candidates.