STEREO observations of variable stars

A data analysis pipeline has been developed that is able to apply selected algorithms to the entire database of nearly a million stars to search for signs of variability. An analysis limited to stars of magnitude 10.5 has been carried out, which has resulted in the extraction of 263 eclipsing binaries (EBs), of which 122 are not recorded as such in the SIMBAD online database.

The characteristics of the STEREO observations are shown to be extremely well-suited to variable star studies with the ability to provide continuous phase coverage for extended periods as well as repeated visits that allow both short and long term variability to be observed. This will greatly inform studies of particular stars, such as the pre-cataclysmic variable V471 Tau, as well as entire classes of stars, including many forms of rotational variability.