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B.K. Gibson (Swinburne), M. Shara (AMNH), R. Ferdman, J. Brewer, H.B. Richer (UBC), G.G. Fahlman (CFHT), B.M.S. Hansen (Princeton), R. Ibata (Strasbourg), M. Limongi (OAR), R.M. Rich (UCLA), P.B. Stetson (DAO)
Utilising 166 epochs of HST WFPC2/F814W imaging data collected over a six-year baseline (supplemented with 98 F606W epochs spanning a shorter two-month window), we have initiated a search for variables in the globular cluster M4. Employing periodogram, Fast Fourier Transform, and Phase Dispersion Minimisation-based techniques, we present a progress report on our attempts to identify, or at least constrain the statistics of, the population of variables situated six core radii outside the cluster centre. Extensive simulation work is described, demonstrating our detection sensitivity to eclipsing binaries, cataclysmic variables, oscillating blue stragglers, and planetary transits. A quantitative comparison with the earlier HST WFPC2 analysis of the core of globular cluster 47 Tuc is presented.