Another Search for Maia Variable Stars

Abstract

We have used the Hipparcos epoch photometry database, and autocorrelation analysis, to search for the elusive Maia variables-short-period B7-A3 near-main-sequence pulsating variable stars. Of several hundred stars considered, and several dozen stars studied in detail, only a handful are possible variables: three are possible shallow eclipsing variables; three have possible periods in the range 0.25-0.5 day, but their amplitudes are so low that they are probably nonvariable. The most promising are HD 29573, with a period of 1.6 days (but possibly a rotating variable), and γ CrB, with a period of 0.9 day-a period also found spectroscopically by Lehmann and coworkers. Sirius shows variations which are probably instrumental. Two previously suspected Maia stars-Maia and γ UMi-are photometrically constant. The Maia variables-if they exist-are very rare and very elusive.