Testing a New Detection Method for RR Lyrae Variable Stars

We have tested a new means of identifying RR Lyrae variable stars using large survey single-epoch, out-of-phase photometric and spectroscopic observations. The technique utilizes the marked discrepancy between (g -- r) color and Balmer-line strengths that are taken out of phase with each other. Using data collected from the 0.8-meter telescope at the McDonald Observatory for 13 halo-field stars this summer (two of which were previously confirmed RR Lyrae stars), we showed a discovery efficiency of $\sim $92{\%}. There is an overall discovery efficiency of $\sim $85{\%} using data collected from SDSS Stripe 82. The long-term goal for discovery of halo-field RR Lyrae stars is to probe the galaxy's halo substructure, and the properties of halo-field RR Lyrae stars in general.