Microlensing observations in astrophysics

Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) telescope dome on top of Mount John

Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics ( MOA ) is a joint project of researchers from New Zealand and Japan led by Professor Yasushi Muraki of Nagoya University . They use the gravitational microlensing method to study dark matter , as well as detect exoplanets and stars in the southern hemisphere of the starry sky. The group pays particular attention to the events of gravitational microlensing with a large increase (of the order of 100 or more), which makes it possible to detect exoplanets . Project participants work with groups from Australia , the United States and other countries. Observations are made at Mount John University Observatory using a 1.8-meter telescope built specifically for this project.