Variable stars in the globular cluster NGC 6362

We report the results of a CCD search for short-period variables in the fie ld of a southern globular cluster NGC 6362. We identified 19 new candidate variables, five of which are cluster RR Lyraes, four are probable SX Phe-ty pe stars and eight are eclipsing binaries. Of the discovered binaries, thre e are EA-type systems, two of which are located on the cluster CMD in the t urn-off region and the third 1 mag above the turn-off point, in the yellow straggler region. Five other systems are of W UMa type, three of which are foreground objects and two are likely cluster members. The remaining two ca ndidates exhibit a modulation of the brightness level with an amplitude of 0.1-0.2 mag; further observations are needed to reveal the nature of their variability. Phased VI light curves for 20 variables (18 RR Lyrae stars and two blue stragglers) located in the central region of the cluster are pres ented.