Microlensing Searches for Neptune-like Exoplanets
In a paper submitted to the Astrophysical Journal, available online now here, a team of astronomers announce the discovery of a Neptune-like mass exoplanet. The exoplanet is officially called OGLE-2007-BLG-368Lb, and it’s one of a small number of exoplanets that have been discovered using the method known as gravitational microlensing. This technique relies on the curvature of light caused by a gravitational field, as predicted by the Einstein General Theory of Relativity. Based upon a statistical analysis, the authors conclude that “Neptune-mass planets are at least three times more common than Jupiters, beyond the snow-line.”