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M. Carini (Western Kentucky University), J. Noble (Boston University), O. Amadi (Arkansas Math and Science Academy), C. Fendley (Texas Academy of Math and Science), De. Simmons (The State University of West Georgia), S. Williams (Texas Academy of Math and Science)
We present the results of a search for microvariability in Radio Quiet QSOs. The objects in the sample were selected to have R << 1, following the criteria set forth by Sagar, Krishna and Wiita (1996). Each object was observed for 6-8 hours over 4-5 consecutive nights, using either the 42" Hall or the 72" Perkins telescope at Lowell Observatory equipped with a direct CCD camera. Differential photometry was performed on the QSO and several comparison stars yielding photometric accuracies of 1-3%. No evidence of microvariability was found in any of the objects. We compare these results to those of other authors who claim to have detected microvariations in Radio Quiet Quasars using similar size telescopes and instrumentation.
This work was funded in part by the Kentucky Space Grant Consortium and NASA.