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    "story_id": "mp-2026-08-21-017",
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    "headline": "Asteroids Imitated Microlensing in the TESS Curves",
    "slug": "asteroids-imitated-microlensing-in-the-tess-curves",
    "dek": "A transformer screened about 5.6 million light curves and exposed moving-object peaks among its false positives.",
    "summary": "A transformer screened about 5.6 million light curves and exposed moving-object peaks among its false positives.",
    "body_text": "Microlensify combines simulated lensing curves with real TESS data, reconstructs candidates and estimates duration. Depending on pipeline it flagged 0.036 to 1.89 percent of curves, while cross-matching exposed variables, transients and asteroid crossings. The outputs remain candidates, not confirmed lenses.",
    "why_it_matters": "A transformer screened about 5.6 million light curves and exposed moving-object peaks among its false positives.",
    "limitations": [
      "The outputs remain candidates, not confirmed lenses."
    ],
    "importance": 8,
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    "first_published_at": "2026-08-21T09:00:00.000-04:00",
    "modified_at": "2026-08-21T09:00:00.000-04:00",
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        "text": "A transformer screened about 5.6 million light curves and exposed moving-object peaks among its false positives.",
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        "qualification": "The outputs remain candidates, not confirmed lenses."
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    "source_ids": [
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    "tags": [
      "TESS",
      "microlensing",
      "transformers"
    ],
    "image_url": null,
    "corrections": []
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "source_id": "source-2026-08-21-019",
      "title": "arXiv preprint 2608.19419",
      "publisher": "arXiv",
      "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.19419",
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      "source_type": "primary_research",
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      "published_at": "2026-08-18T20:00:00.000-04:00",
      "accessed_at": "2026-08-21T08:22:06.000-04:00",
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  "publisher": {
    "name": "The Machine Press",
    "url": "https://themachinepress.com",
    "description": "A daily newspaper for the age of artificial intelligence."
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  "cite_this_report": {
    "title": "Asteroids Imitated Microlensing in the TESS Curves",
    "publisher": "The Machine Press",
    "published_at": "2026-08-21T09:00:00.000-04:00",
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