Three New Light Curves and Updated Transit Timings of WASP-135 b

Volume 53 number 2 (2025)

Kristine Kate Torres: Rizal Technological University, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines; kristinekate.torres@gmail.com
Isabela G. Huckabee: Department of Astronomy, Cornell University, 122 Sciences Drive, Ithaca, NY 14853, and Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila, Philippines; igh7@cornell.edu
Patrizia Phem Odo: Rizal Technological University, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines; patriziaphem16.odo@gmail.com
Danielle Baldono: Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila, Philippines; danielle.baldono@student.ateneo.edu
Riana Gabrielle Gamboa: University of the Philippines, Roxas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila, Philippines; rianagabriellegamboa@gmail.com
Ma. Francelen Rose Malod: Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila, Philippines; francelen.molod@student.ateneo.edu
Michelle Dote: National University, Coral Way Street, Pasay City, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines, and University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd, Sampaloc, Manila, 1009 Metro Manila, Philippines; mitchdote@gmail.com
Dave Justine Bantilan: Cebu Technological University, M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Corner R. Palma St., 6000 Cebu City, Philippines; dave.justinebantz@gmail.com
Juan Migelle Ferido: De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines; juan_ferido@dlsu.edu.ph
Zachary Lacuesta: Adamson University, 900 San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines, and University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd, Sampaloc, Manila, 1009 Metro Manila, Philippines; zachlacuesta@gmail.com
Mark Erickson Calunod: Philippine Normal University, 104 Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines; markericksoncalunod100@gmail.com
Franchesca Margarette Visitacion: University of the Philippines, Roxas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila, Philippines; ffvisitacion@up.edu.ph
Jose Alexis Elimanco: University of the Philippines, Roxas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila, Philippines; elimanco.ja@gmail.com
Disney Gonzales: Rizal Technological University, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines; ddgonzales@rtu.edu.ph
Robert Zellem: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771; robert.t.zellem@nasa.gov
Heath Rhodes: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109; heath.a.rhoades@jpl.nasa.gov
Kyle Pearson: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109; k.pearson112@gmail.com

Abstract

We present updated transit timing measurements for the hot Jupiter WASP-135 b using three new ground-based transit observations obtained with Leia, a 0.6-meter telescope operated by NASA’s Exoplanet Watch at the Table Mountain Facility. These observations, conducted as part of Exoplanet Watch citizen science initiative, were analyzed with the EXOplanet Transit Interpretation Code (EXOTIC) pipeline to generate high-quality light curves and extract precise mid-transit times. By combining our new data with previously published observations, we refined the planet’s ephemeris, reducing uncertainties in both the orbital period and mid-transit time. Our final mid-transit value is 2460585.6563426 ± 0.00001908 BJDTDB and the final period value is 1.4013776 ± 0.0000002 days. Our updated timing solution demonstrates a 92% reduction in mid-transit time uncertainty compared to the original discovery paper and improves the precision of transit forecasts through 2030, which is critical to ensure efficient scheduling of future missions, such as ESA’s Ariel. This work highlights the critical role of ongoing ground-based observations by students and citizen scientists in maintaining accurate ephemerides, which are essential for planning future space-based follow-up with facilities such as the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. The work in this paper was done as part of the SEDS-PH (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space—Philippines) Upskill Groups, which provides opportunities for Filipinos to participate in space-related projects.