U.S.-France Cooperative Research: Gravitational Microlensing in Unresolved Star Fields and a New Probe of the Dark Matter in External Galaxies

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This three-year award for U.S.-France cooperative research in astronomy involves Arlin P. Crotts of Columbia University and Jean Kaplan of the College de France, Paris, France. The objective of their research is to survey gravitational microlensing of stars in the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Microlensing is a technique used by astronomers in their effort to observe dark matter. It is also used for planet searches and for probing the structure of the milky way. The investigators will survey intrinsically variable stars and monitor star fields in M31. The collaboration takes advantage of parallel investigations conducted by the French group and will allow both groups to address weather and scheduling gaps in their respective data sets. Observations at the VATT (Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope) and at the Pic du Midi Observatory will provide for better and continuous coverage.