Variability-Based Identifications of Blazar Candidates

We present initial results of a study exploring the feasibility of blazar identification by optical variability alone. Using multi-epoch data from the Palomar-Quest survey, supplemented by the data from the JPL NEAT team processed at the LBNL Nearby Supernova Factory, we investigate the optical variability in the fields of a sample of WMAP point sources, all of which we assume to be blazars. Most of these sources have previously reported radio counterparts. In 10 arcmin fields around each of these objects, we find that in about half the cases, these purported WMAP point source IDs are the most variable objects. We suggest that IDs with low variability may be mis-identifications, and propose several alternate IDs selected on the basis of higher variability, which will be targets for future spectroscopic study. We also present potential IDs for previously unidentified WMAP sources. Understanding the variability of high-frequency radio sources will be important for the interpretation of the cosmological CMBR measurements at high angular frequencies. Moreover, since the positional uncertainties of WMAP sources are similar to those expected for the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope, we conclude that optical variability selection will be a useful tool in correctly identifying optical counterparts to previously unknown Fermi point sources.