A transit search for extrasolar planets

最近出现的最令人兴奋的天文研究领域之一是发现太阳系外的行星。其他地球是否存在，以及它们是否拥有生命，目前还没有答案，但重要的技术进步，包括澳大利亚的新创新，正在稳步推动我们回答可能是有史以来最重要的科学问题。以相对较低的成本取得重大进展是可能的。该项目将在新南威尔士州使用一台专用的、自动化的、超精密的望远镜来寻找大量遮蔽其主恒星的太阳系外行星。在凌日期间，详细的观测可以揭示行星的基本性质，包括生命的大气特征。

One of the most exciting astronomical research areas to emerge recently is the discovery of planets outside our solar system. Whether other Earths exist, and whether they possess life, remains unanswered for now, but important technological advances, including new Australian innovations, move us steadily towards answering potentially the most important scientific question of all time. Significant progress is possible at relatively low cost. This project will use a dedicated, automated, ultra-precise telescope in NSW to find a large number of extra-solar planets eclipsing their host stars. During transit, detailed observations can reveal fundamental planetary properties, including atmosphericic signatures for life.