A Synoptic Multiwavelength Analysis of a Large Quasar Sample

We present variability and multi-wavelength photometric information for the933 known quasars in the QUEST Variability Survey. These quasars are groupedinto variable and non-variable populations based on measured variabilityconfidence levels. In a time-limited synoptic survey, we detect ananti-correlation between redshift and the likelihood of variability. Ourcomparison of variability likelihood to radio, IR, and X-ray data is consistentwith earlier quasar studies. Using already-known quasars as a template, weintroduce a light curve morphology algorithm that provides an efficient methodfor discriminating variable quasars from periodic variable objects in theabsence of spectroscopic information. The establishment of statistically robusttrends and efficient, non-spectroscopic selection algorithms will aid in quasaridentification and categorization in upcoming massive synoptic surveys.Finally, we report on three interesting variable quasars, including variabilityconfirmation of the BL Lac candidate PKS 1222+037.Comment: AJ, accepted for publication 15 Dec 200