Optical studies of gamma-ray burst fields, 1: GRB 790329

An optical photometric and proper motion survey of a approximately = 160 sq arcmin region centered on an interplanetary network 41 sq arcmin GRB 790329 error box is presented. No obvious counterparts to the gamma-ray burst were identified. The distribution of stellar colors in the survey region was that expected for the galactic latitude of the burst field. Six stars with significant proper motions were identified. One of these, Gl 397, was found to be a double star. The companion has the color and luminosity of an M4/5 dwarf. We note that associating the gamma-ray burst with the Gl 397 system seems to require energies beyond that seen in the flares of other late-type dwarfs. A small number of galaxies were identified, one of which (object #4), was the bluest object found in the survey (V - I = 0.49).