AGAPE is an observational search of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) in
the direction of M31 by means of a novel method: the gravitational microlensing
of unresolved stars. The search consists in examining CCD pixel light curves
for microlensing features. The high level of temporal stability necessary to
detect microlensing events has been achieved, with quiet pixels stable within a
factor of two of the photon noise (the brightest ones down to a level of 0.001
mag). The data analysis is still in progress, but hundreds of variable objects
(cepheids, novae, ...) have already been found. Among them there are several
lightcurves that resemble microlensing events.Comment: presented at the International Conference on "Dark and Visible Matter
in Galaxies" (Sesto Pusteria, Italy, 2-5 July 1996), 8 pages, 7 figures, uses
paspconf.sty, psfig.st
