Pixel lensing towards M31 in principle and in practice

Abstract

The Andromeda galaxy (M31) provides a new line of sight for Galactic MACHO studies and also a signature, near-far asymmetry, which may establish the existence of MACHOs in the M31 halo. We outline the principles behind the so-called ``pixel-lensing'' experiments monitoring unresolved stars in M31. We present detailed simulations of the POINT-AGAPE survey now underway, which is using the INT wide-field camera to map the microlensing distribution over a substantial fraction of the M31 disc. We address the extent to which pixel-lensing observables, which differ from those of classical microlensing, can be used to determine the contribution and mass of M31 MACHOs. We also present some preliminary light-curves obtained from the first season (1999/2000) of INT data.