HARPSNG

HARPSNG, or the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher, North-Gemini, is a spectrograph designed to detect exoplanets by observing the radial velocity of stars. It is an upgraded version of the original HARPS instrument, which has been highly successful in discovering thousands of exoplanets. HARPSNG is installed on the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, a powerful instrument that allows for highly precise measurements of a star's light.

The principle behind HARPSNG is the Doppler effect. As a planet orbits a star, its gravitational pull causes the star to wobble slightly. This wobble, though minute, shifts the star's light towards the red or blue end of the spectrum. HARPSNG is capable of detecting these tiny shifts with extreme accuracy. By measuring these periodic shifts over time, astronomers can infer the presence of orbiting planets and estimate their mass and orbital period.

HARPSNG's increased sensitivity and resolution compared to its predecessor enable it to detect smaller planets and planets orbiting dimmer or more distant stars. This expanded capability is crucial for furthering our understanding of planetary system formation and diversity. The data gathered by HARPSNG contributes significantly to exoplanet catalogs and aids in the statistical study of planetary populations throughout the galaxy. Its observations are vital for identifying potentially habitable worlds and characterizing their atmospheres.