The first extrasolar planet orbiting a star like our sun was discovered over 30 years ago. Since that time, over 6000 exoplanets have been observed. Many of these planets have properties that have surprised scientists, such as planets the size of Jupiter orbiting a sun-like star in less than 3 days. One of these ultra-hot Jupiters, WASP-12b, shows signs of spiraling into its host star. Studying the dance between “doomed planets” and their stars provides a way to peer inside both objects and by association, the Sun. IoIO is able to monitor many planets over a long period of time to search for other planets spiraling to their doom. 

Comets are left over objects from early in the formation of our solar system. Understanding their physical structure therefore provides insights into how the solar system formed. Spacecraft visits to comets have provided unexpected insights, such as the role of landslides (mass wasting events) in driving sudden changes in how much material comets release (outbursts). Monitoring comet outbursts in a large number of comets can help us understand if most comets have landslides like the ones we have visited or if these outbursts are driven by heating of pockets of different materials inside the comet. IoIO monitors several comets every night searching for outbursts.