2005/03/29 by Y. C. Joshi, A. K. Pandey, D. Narasimha +1 · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #Astronomy and Astrophysical Research #Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies
paper · pdf · doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20042357
We report our first microlensing candidate NMS-E1 towards M 31 from the data accumulated during the four years of Nainital Microlensing Survey. Cousin R and I band observations of ∼ field in the direction of M 31 have been carried out since 1998 and data is analysed using the pixel technique proposed by the AGAPE collaboration. NMS-E1 lies in the disk of M 31 at and , about 15.5 arcmin to the South-East direction of the center of M 31. The degenerate Paczyński fit gives a half intensity duration of ~59 days. The photometric analysis of the candidate shows that it reached mag at the time of maximum brightness and the colour of the source star was estimated to be mag. The microlensing candidate is blended by red variable stars; consequently the light curves do not strictly follow the characteristic Paczyński shape and achromatic nature. However its long period monitoring and similar behaviour in R and I bands supports its microlensing nature.