ExoClock (www.exoclock.space) is an open platform aiming to monitor transiting exoplanets through regular observations using small and medium scale telescopes. The project is part of the Ariel ephemerides working group, aiming to refine the ephemerides of Ariel targets. Ariel is an M4 space mission by ESA and it will study the atmospheres of more than 1000 exoplanets to further characterise their nature.

The nature of the ExoClock is described by three key words: inclusive, interactive, and

integrated. It is open to everyone and accepts contributions from the public (amateur

astronomers, students, citizens). It is an integrated platform as it integrated data from multiple resources. Finally, it is interactive as participants have their own personalised accounts and they are part of an international team where communication is continuous.

 

Our goal in the project is double: increase the efficiency of the Ariel space mission and bring people from different backgrounds together to work in a collaborative spirit.

Science is for everyone, and we are very happy that through the project everyone can be

part of a real space mission. Our observers come from all over the world and have

different backgrounds. Every contribution counts and becomes valuable in the ExoClock project. It is inspiring to see so many people willing to learn and participate in a space mission.

The project had launched in 2019 and has three publications so far in peer-reviewed journals:

 

1. A. Kokori, A. Tsiaras, B. Edwards et al. (2022).

ExoClock Project III: 450 new exoplanet ephemerides from ground and space observations. The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series (published).

2. A. Kokori, A. Tsiaras, B. Edwards et al. (2022).
ExoClock project II: A large-scale integrated study with 180 updated exoplanet ephemerides.
The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series (published).

3. A. Kokori, A. Tsiaras, B. Edwards et al. (2022).
ExoClock Project: An open platform for monitoring the ephemerides of Ariel targets with contributions from the public.
Experimental Astronomy (published).