The automated detection of variable objects

The present investigation is concerned with the populations of variable objects found on deep Schmidt plates. The two types of variation found to be predominant in the studies involve a timescale of 24 hours or less and a scale of over a year or more. This observation led to the development of algorithms specifically designed to isolate these two populations. The variables detected include cataclysmic variables, RR Lyrae stars,quasars/active galaxies, and one Mira. The procedures by which the various types of objects were detected are discussed. By far the most numerous objects detected are quasars and active, usually compact, galaxies.