We present a comprehensive analysis of the variable stars projected on the
field of the Galactic bulge globular cluster NGC 6522, offering valuable
insights into their characteristics. Using proper motions from Gaia DR3, we aim
to distinguish between field stars and true cluster members. For an accurate
color-magnitude diagram of the member stars, we produced a differential
reddening map. We detect and discuss the peculiarities of variable stars of the
types RR Lyrae, type II Cepheids, Long Period Variables (LPV) and eclipsing
binaries, whose light curves are available through the OGLE III and IV
databases. Notably, we explore the variable V24, which shows a prominent phase
modulation resulting from period changes in a time scale of ~1100 days. The
variable stars among the cluster members serve as indicators of the cluster
metallicity and distance; these determinations are based on their light curves.
With the Fourier light curve decomposition of three RRc stars, we have derived
the following cluster parameters: the metallicity in the spectroscopic scale
[Fe/H]UVES​=--1.16 ±0.09; and the mean distance D=8.77±0.16
kpc.Comment: 15 pages, 10 Figures, 3 table