High-Resolution Optical Spectroscopy of the R Coronae Borealis Star V532 Ophiuchi at Maximum Light11Based on observations obtained with the Harlan J. Smith Telescope of McDonald Observatory of the University of Texas at Austin.

Abstract

High-resolution optical spectra of the R Coronae Borealis (RCB) star V532 Oph at light maximum are discussed. The absolute visual magnitude MV of the star is found to be -4.9 ± 0.5. The elemental abundances suggest the star belongs to the majority class of RCB stars but is among the most O-poor of this class with mild enhancements of heavy elements Y, Zr, Ba, and La. The C2 Swan bands are weak in V532 Oph relative to R CrB. Other aspects of the high-resolution spectrum confirm that V532 Oph is representative of majority RCBs, i.e., the radial velocity is variable, circumstellar material is present, and the photosphere feeds a high-velocity stellar wind.