L. Fox Machado
Papers
2
Total Citations
85
H-Index
2
About
L. Fox Machado is an observational astronomer whose work bridges the gap between robotic telescope operations and the detailed characterization of exoplanet atmospheres. A key figure at the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional on Mexico’s Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, Machado has been instrumental in advancing the facility’s capabilities. Their most cited work (50 citations) details the successful automation of the 1.5-meter Harold Johnson telescope for robotic operation with the RATIR camera, a critical step for rapid-response observations of transient phenomena. Building on this infrastructure, Machado led a landmark study (35 citations) that used three San Pedro Mártir telescopes simultaneously for the first time to obtain multi-filter defocused photometry of the hot Jupiters WASP-39b and WASP-43b. This work notably included the first-ever U-band transit observation of WASP-39b, providing unique constraints on high-altitude hazes and scattering in its atmosphere. By pioneering coordinated multi-telescope campaigns and enabling robotic follow-up, Machado has significantly expanded the scientific output of Mexican observatories, making them vital assets in the global study of exoplanets.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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