Who is under the HAT? (Gaspar Bakos, Harvard-Smithsonian CfA)

The periodic event of a remote planet passing in front of its host star carries the potential to learn a great deal about the astrophysics of such systems. We can measure the radii and masses of such planets, and can place constraints on their internal structure. Through the occultation of these extrasolar planets (as they pass behind their central star), we can determine their surface temperature. Further, we can measure the alignment of their orbital normal with the stellar spin axis, or perform a chemical abundance analysis of their planetary atmospheres. 10 years ago much of this amazing science was not even thought of, let alone implemented and practiced. Much of the precious discoveries of the past decade, leading to the ~40 published transiting exoplanets, are the result of the persevering efforts of a few transit groups, such as XO, TrES, WASP and HATNet and others. In my talk, I will focus on HATNet, and will highlight the diversity of exoplanets through our own discoveries. I will also introduce the HAT-South survey, which is just entering operational phase, and through its global network of 3 stations (one being at Las Campanas), will provide an uninterrupted, 24-hour data stream. These unique data will hopefully lead to a large number of extraordinary discoveries. Finally, I will reveal some behind-the-scenes information to show who is under the HAT.