Another search for Maia variable stars

We have used the Hipparcos epoch photometry database, and autocorrelation a nalysis, to search for the elusive Maia variables-short-period B7-A3 near-m ain-sequence pulsating variable stars. Of several hundred stars considered, and several dozen stars studied in detail, only a handful are possible var iables: three are possible shallow eclipsing variables; three have possible periods in the range 0.25-0.5 day but their amplitudes are so Pow that the y are probably nonvariable. The most promising are HD 29573, with a period of 1.6 days (but possibly a rotating variable), and gamma CrB, with a perio d of 0.9 day-a period also found spectroscopically by Lehmann and coworkers . Sirius shows variations which are probably instrumental. Two previously s uspected Maia stars-Maia and gamma UMi-are photometrically constant. The Ma ia variables-if they exist-are very rare and very elusive.