X-ray and optical variability at the hour timescale for 1E 0630+178 (GEMINGA) and its proposed optical couterpart

Einstein and EXOSAT data on the soft X-ray source IE 0630+178, the proposed counterpart of the -ray source GEMINGA, are analyzed for variability on the time scale of one to three hours. The EXOSAT September 1983 data, with an uninterrupted strech of over 10 hours offer the most interesting case. In parallel, a similar analysis is presented for the first time, for the optical data of the m_V21 proposed counterpart. About 30 CCD exposures, of 15 min. each, taken over two consecutive nights at the 3.6 m CFH telescope, yield evidence of variability, when compared to the data of similar nearby objects in the field.Visiting astronomer at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, operated by the National Concil of Research, Canada, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France, and the University of Hawaii.