# NASA Exoplanet Watch

NASA citizen-science project where anyone with a web-connected device helps monitor exoplanet transits - no telescope needed; request data from a robotic telescope and analyze it with free software.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | NASA |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/exoplanet-watch/ |

## About this program

# NASA Exoplanet Watch

Exoplanet Watch is a NASA citizen-science project in which volunteers observe transiting exoplanets - planets passing in front of their stars - and measure how the starlight dims. The data participants upload helps keep transit timing predictions fresh for professional observatories. You do not need your own telescope: NASA's guidance is 'If you have a telescope: observe transiting exoplanets. If you don't have a telescope: request data from a robotic telescope.'

## What You'll Do

- Complete the short online training (NASA lists 'Time to get started: 2-4 minutes to complete online training')
- Request observations from a robotic telescope or capture your own if you have equipment
- Analyze light curves using EXOTIC, the project's free software, with help from the community
- Upload results to the shared database, where your work appears on the project's results page, and join a community of 2,000+ members with Slack channels and biweekly meetings

## Who Should Apply

Anyone curious about astronomy - NASA's citizen science hub states its projects are 'open to everyone (no citizenship required),' and the project page says 'You don't have to be a rocket scientist or an astrophysicist to study distant worlds.' Required equipment is just a 'Web-connected device' and required knowledge is 'None.'

## Outcomes

Students contribute real observational data used for further exoplanet research, learn photometry and Python-based analysis with EXOTIC, and can point to concrete, credited scientific contributions - unusual depth for a free, self-paced program.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does NASA Exoplanet Watch cost?

NASA Exoplanet Watch is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for NASA Exoplanet Watch?

NASA Exoplanet Watch is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is NASA Exoplanet Watch online or in person?

NASA Exoplanet Watch is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to NASA Exoplanet Watch?

Apply directly through NASA's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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