We present the results of optical differential photometry of five blazars [PKS0219+428 (3C66A), PKS 0235+164 (AO 0235+16), H0414+019, PKS 0851+202 (OJ 287) and QSO 1807+698 (3C 371)] that were observed on 7 nights between November 05, 1997 and December 29, 1998, using the B and the V band filters. We have detected microvariations in four blazars (3C66A, AO 0235+16, H04l4+019, and OJ 287). In addition, the light curve of AO 0235+16 has displayed a mini-flare when the brightness of this source was decreasing. Night-to-night variations have also been detected in 3C66A, H04l4+019, and OJ 287. The results of our observations are discussed in the framework of accretion disk phenomena (magnetic flares or hot spots in accretion disks) and jet phenomena (plasma instabilities in jets).

• K. K. GHOSH(NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center, Space Science Department/Indian Institute of Astrophysics)
• CHULHEE KIM(Department of Earth Science Education, Chonbuk National University)
• B. D. RAMSEY(NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center, Space Science Department)
• S. SOUNDARARAJAPERUMAL(Indian Institute of Astrophysics)