The Globular Cluster M15. I. Identification, Discovery, and Period Determination of Variable Stars

TL;DR

This study provides new photometric data and period analysis for variable stars in globular cluster M15, identifying new variables and refining periods, which enhances understanding of the cluster's variable star population and Oosterhoff classification.

Contribution

It offers the first period determinations for 40 known variables, reports 14 new variables, and discusses M15's Oosterhoff type based on updated Bailey diagrams.

Findings

40 variables have new or improved periods

14 new variable stars identified in M15

M15 classified as Oosterhoff type II based on Bailey diagrams

Abstract

We present new $BVI$ CCD photometry for variables in the globular cluster M15. Our photometry was obtained using both the image subtraction package ISIS and DAOPHOT/ALLFRAME. The data were acquired in 2001 on two observing runs on 11 observing nights using the 2-m telescope of the Bulgarian National Astronomical Observatory ``Rozhen'' with a Photometrics CCD camera. For 40 previously known variables, we present a period for the first time, and improved periods were obtained for many previously known variables. Fourteen new variables are reported. We present updated Bailey diagrams for the cluster and discuss its Oosterhoff classification. Although many of M15's RRab pulsators fall at an intermediate locus between Oosterhoff types I and II in the Bailey diagram, we argue that M15 is indeed a bona-fide Oosterhoff type II