Photometric variations in the Q2237 + 0305 system - First detection of a microlensing event

We present new photometric data for the gravitationally lensed quasar system 2237 + 0305, which is unambiguous evidence for a change in brightness of one of the four component images. This represents the first detection of a microlensing event. For the case where the source intersects the cure of the microlens, observational constraints on the timescale for the event allows a limit of <~ 0.1 M_sun_ to be placed on the mass of the lensing object. The data illustrate the immense potential for obtaining information on the size of the quasar-continuum-emitting region, together with the mass function of compact objects in the lensing galaxy, through a comprehensive photometric monitoring program of the 2237 + 0305 system.

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