Variable Stars in the Globular Cluster M107: The Discovery of a Probable SX Phoenicis Star

We used the SARA 0.9-meter telescope located at KPNO during May and June of 2012 to search for variable stars in the globular cluster M107 (NGC 6171). Pulsating variable stars in globular clusters are useful tools in determining the physical properties of stars, in particular their metallicity. Due to the close proximity of stars in globular clusters, aperture photometry is not optimal, particularly for low-amplitude variables. However, using image subtraction methods it is possible to efficiently detect variable stars in the crowded cores of globular clusters. Using V-band time-series photometry of M107 we have refined the positions and confirmed the 22 RR Lyrae variables from Clement's Catalog of Variable Stars in Globular Clusters. We have also discovered a previously unknown variable which is likely to be an SX Phoenicis star. For this SX Phe star we measured a fundamental pulsation frequency 19.01221 per day (P=0.05257 days) and a mean amplitude of 0.046 magnitudes in the V band. This variable had an average V-band magnitude of 17.72, nearly 2 magnitudes dimmer than the horizontal branch of M107, typical of SX Phoenicis stars lying beyond the main sequence turn-off in globular clusters.