ExTrA (Exoplanets in Transits and their Atmospheres)

https://www.eso.org/public/unitedkingdom/teles-instr/lasilla/extra/?lang

Exoplanets in Transits and their Atmospheres

ExTrA employs a novel approach to the transit method; it observes at infrared wavelengths, where M dwarfs are brighter, and adds spectral information to the usual photometric measurements. Its three telescopes collect light from the target and from four comparison stars; the light is then fed through optical fibres into a near-infrared spectrograph. In this cost-efficient approach, the light from all three telescopes is fed into just one multi-object spectrograph.
This innovative approach of adding spectroscopic information to traditional photometry helps to correct the disruptive effect of Earth’s atmosphere, as well as errors from instruments and detectors. In addition, M dwarfs appear much brighter at infrared wavelengths — increasing the precision achievable and boosting the survey’s efficiency.

http://www.eso.org/public/unitedkingdom/news/eso1803/?lang

First Light for Planet Hunter ExTrA at La Silla

A new national facility at ESO’s La Silla Observatory has successfully made its first observations. The ExTrA telescopes will search for and study Earth-sized planets orbiting nearby red dwarf stars. ExTrA’s novel design allows for much improved sensitivity compared to previous searches. Astronomers now have a powerful new tool to help in the search for potentially habitable worlds