MOA

MOA (for Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) is a survey carried out at Mt. John University Observatory in New Zealand to identify and record microlensing transients, to identify possible extra-solar planets and MACHOs, clues regarding dark matter, and other information available from observations of such events. The search began in the mid 1990s with a 61-cm dedicated telescope. In 2005, a new 1.8-m telescope began operation, the new telescope and new phase of the survey termed MOA-II, and the previous work and telescope were termed MOA-I. In addition to microlensing events, the survey has recorded various other transients of interest. The survey remains active.