Planets in Stellar Clusters Extensive Search. I. Discovery of 47 Low-Amplitude Variables in the Metal-rich Cluster NGC 6791 with Millimagnitude Image Subtraction Photometry

摘要

We have undertaken a long-term project, the Planets in Stellar Clusters Extensive Search (PISCES), to search for transiting planets in open clusters. As our first target, we have chosen NGC 6791—a very old, populous, metal-rich cluster. We present the results of a test observing run at the F. L. Whipple Observatory's 1.2 m telescope. Our primary goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining the accuracy required for planetary-transit detection using image subtraction photometry on data collected with a 1 m class telescope. We present a catalog of 62 variable stars, 47 of them newly discovered, most with low-amplitude variability. Among those there are several BY Draconis type variables. We have also observed outbursts in the cataclysmic variables B7 and B8.