Marina Lafarga Magro

Research overview

I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Astronomy & Astrophysics groupLink opens in a new window at the University of Warwick working on the detection and validation of transiting planets using machine learning approaches, with a focus on exoplanets in the Neptune desert. I am part of Dr David ArmstrongLink opens in a new window's group. I recently led the validation of over 100 transiting planets discovered with TESS data, the largest validation of TESS planets to date, and identified more than 1000 new planet candidates missed by previous searches (check out our press releaseLink opens in a new window!).

Before that, I worked with Dr Heather CeglaLink opens in a new window's research group Towards Other Earths. I studied the alignment between the planetary orbit and the stellar spin of a set of planets in the Neptunian desert. To do that, I use of the Rossiter-McLaughlin distortion observed in spectroscopic observations during a planetary transit, which is sensitive to the spin-orbit angle of the system. Additionally, I also studied the variability of the star behind the transit chord through the reloaded Rossiter-McLaughlin approach, which isolates the stellar light behind the planet as it transits.

Also at Warwick, in collaboration with Dr Matteo Brogi and Dr Sid GandhiLink opens in a new window, I worked on the characterisation of the atmosphere of the bloated super-Neptune WASP-166 b, one of the few planets close to the Neptunian desert. I focused on applying the cross-correlation method to simultaneously study the presence of water and clouds in the planetary atmosphere using high-resolution, optical observations of the instrument ESPRESSO. I also improved a principal component analysis technique to mitigate the effect of telluric lines in the observed spectra.

Previously, I completed my PhD under the supervision of Dr Ignasi Ribas at the Institut de Ciències de l'Espai (IEEC, CSIC)Link opens in a new window and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, working on the exploitation of high-resolution spectra of M dwarf stars obtained with the CARMENESLink opens in a new window instrument. I led the development and application of the cross-correlation technique for CARMENES GTO observations. This work resulted in an open source pipeline (raccoon)Link opens in a new window to build weighted binary masks, compute cross-correlation functions, and derive radial velocities and stellar variability indicators. I also studied the effects of stellar variability in M dwarf high-resolution spectra using CARMENES data. In particular, I analysed the temporal behaviour of several spectroscopic proxies of stellar activity in a range of M dwarfs of different mass and activity level. I also performed line-by-line studies in a set of active M dwarf stars.

I am always looking for new ways to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion in science. During my career, I have been lucky to be involved in several education and outreach initiatives focused on engaging historically under-represented groups in science. I participate in the national research and outreach programme OrbytsLink opens in a new window as one of the Warwick Hub Leads. Orbyts establishes partnerships between researchers and school students to carry out novel research together. I am also a committee member of Equitea, a forum on equity, diversity, and inclusion in relation to astronomy and science organised within the Astronomy and Astrophysics group.

Selected publications

First author refereed publications

6. Lafarga, M., Espinoza-Retamal, J. I., Cegla, H. M., Stefánsson, G., et al. 2026, "The Neptunian ridge planet WASP-156 b does not have a polar orbit", MNRAS, DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stag996Link opens in a new window

5. Lafarga, M., Armstrong, D. J., Cui, K., Hadjigeorghiou, A., et al. 2026, "Automatic search for transiting planets in TESS-SPOC FFIs with RAVEN: over 100 newly validated planets and over 2000 vetted candidates", MNRAS, 548, 3, 512, DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stag512Link opens in a new window