M31 pixel lensing: Observations at the Loiano telescope

Abstract

We discuss pixel lensing observations towards M31 carried out at the Loiano telescope. We have established a fully automatic pipeline for the detection and the characterization of microlensing events. We have evaluated the efficiency of the pipeline. We have estimated the expected signal by means of a Monte Carlo simulation. As a result we select 2 microlensing candidates. This is compatible with the expected M31 self-lensing signal. The small statistics of events at disposal does not still allow us, however, to draw definite conclusions on the content of compact halo objects.