This study aims to determine whether we can detect the presence of extrasolar planets by using a Meade LX200 12-inch telescope. Our observation technique is to observe subtle changes in star brightness as a planet passes in front of a star. We have carried out preliminary observations on a variable star and found that we can easily detect variations as small as 0.09 for a 13.81 magnitude star. To understand the sensitivity of our system, we have generated simulated data to predict detection thresholds as a function of stellar magnitude. We will use these predictions in selecting targets for future observations.
