EMCCD photometry reveals two new variable stars in the crowded central region of the globular cluster NGC 6981

TL;DR

This study uses EMCCD imaging to discover two new variable stars in the crowded core of NGC 6981, showcasing the technique's effectiveness in dense stellar environments.

Contribution

It demonstrates that EMCCD cameras combined with difference image analysis can detect variable stars in crowded fields where conventional methods fail.

Findings

Two new variable stars identified in NGC 6981

EMCCD imaging proves effective in crowded stellar regions

Highlights potential for high-precision photometry near bright stars

Abstract

Two previously unknown variable stars in the crowded central region of the globular cluster NGC 6981 are presented. The observations were made using the Electron Multiplying CCD (EMCCD) camera at the Danish 1.54m Telescope at La Silla, Chile.The two variables were not previously detected by conventional CCD imaging because of their proximity to a bright star. This discovery demonstrates that EMCCDs are a powerful tool for performing high-precision time-series photometry in crowded fields and near bright stars, especially when combined with difference image analysis (DIA).