New Observing Techniques

Abstract

The influence of new techniques on the discovery and characterization of pulsating variables has been enormous. In this paper, I will review the methods and results of a number of research programmes which have dramatically altered our ability to study variable stars and will likely bear fruit for many years into the future. Specifically, I will touch on results from the MACHO and EROS Projects, the HIPPARCOS mission, "flux difference" photometry and a handful of new algorithmic advances which I consider to be important.