Introduction
MicroFUN is a consortium of observers dedicated to photometric
monitoring of interesting microlensing events in the Galactic Bulge. The primary
scientific objective is to observe high-magnification microlensing events that
give the best potential for detecting extra-solar planets orbiting the lensing
star. Since the team is only concentrating on the galactic bulge,
observations are very seasonal - ie can only be undertaken when the galactic
bulge is visible. This means the observations can only take place during
only 6 months of the year.
My first encounter with the group and type of observation was back in 2001
when I was employed as a Service Observer at Mt Stromlo Observatory undertaking
MicroLensing event observations with the 74" Telescope. I was looking
forward to the next season but the 2002 Canberra Bushfires put an end to that.
Microlensing
Microlensing events (also referred to as
Gravitational Microlensing) are the result of star light being bent by a dark object
with a very large mass
passing in front of the star. Einstein predicted, and it was later proved,
that light can be bent by gravity. This bending results in a lens type
event that increases the brightness of the star (like passing a magnifying glass
over the star).
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