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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 February 2017
We propose the examination of trailed photographs as a medium of search for fast variable stars. Diurnal rotation and seeing permit access to the period range from 0.1s to 10s for a resolution of 1″, exposures of one minute and a plate field of 30′, while slower or faster periods can be studied by mechanically trailing at the appropriate rate. This permits examination of a wide period band over a field of perhaps 0.1 square degree in a minute's time, while photoelectric devices now available permit only star by star examination. Thus we can contemplate examination of an appreciable fraction of the sky with moderate telescope time required.