Photometric Detection of Transiting Exoplanets Around M-Dwarf Stars in the Solar Neighborhood

Abstract

Background

M-dwarf stars constitute the most abundant stellar population in the Galaxy and are prime targets for detecting small, potentially habitable exoplanets via the transit method. Their small radii produce deeper transit signals, enabling the detection of Earth-sized planets with current instrumentation.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of archival TESS light curves for 1,247 M-dwarf stars within 50 parsecs, applying a custom box-least-squares algorithm optimized for long-period transits. Candidate signals were validated through centroid analysis, odd-even depth comparison, and ground-based follow-up photometry using the 1.2-m telescope at Mount Abu Observatory.

Results

We identify four new transiting exoplanet candidates with orbital periods ranging from 11.4 to 34.7 days. Preliminary radius estimates place all four in the super-Earth to mini-Neptune regime (1.4–2.8 R⊕). Two candidates (JYA-M127b and JYA-M891b) orbit within the conservative habitable zone of their host stars, with estimated equilibrium temperatures of 261 K and 288 K, respectively.

Conclusions

These candidates represent compelling targets for atmospheric characterization with JWST transmission spectroscopy. If confirmed, JYA-M891b would be among the nearest potentially habitable super-Earths known, offering excellent prospects for atmospheric biosignature searches.