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We report on photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy for IRAS 19285+0517. The spectral energy distribution based on visible and near-IR photometry and far-IR fluxes shows that the star is surrounded by dust at a temperature of $T_{\rm {d}}$ $\sim$ 250 K. Spectral line analysis shows that the star is a K giant with a projected rotational velocity $v sin i$ = 9 $\pm$ 2 km s$^{-1}$. We determined the atmospheric parameters: $T_{\rm {eff}}$ = 4500 K, log $g$ = 2.5, $\xi_{t}$ = 1.5 km s$^{-1}$, and [Fe/H] = 0.14 dex. The LTE abundance analysis shows that the star is Li-rich (log $\epsilon$(Li) = 2.5$\pm$0.15), but with essentially normal C, N, and O, and metal abundances. Spectral synthesis of molecular CN lines yields the carbon isotopic ratio $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C = 9 $\pm$3, a signature of post-main sequence evolution and dredge-up on the RGB. Analysis of the Li resonance line at 6707 \AA for different ratios $^{6}$Li/$^{7}$Li shows that the Li profile can be fitted best with a predicted profile for pure $^{7}$Li. Far-IR excess, large Li abundance, and rapid rotation suggest that a planet has been swallowed or, perhaps, that an instability in the RGB outer layers triggered a sudden enrichment of Li and caused mass-loss., Comment: To appear in AJ; 40 pages, 9 figures

The temperature, density and kinematics of the gas and dust surrounding the luminous young stellar object GL~2591 are investigated on scales as small as 100 AU, probed by 4.7 micron absorption spectroscopy, to over 60,000 AU, probed by single-dish submillimeter spectroscopy. These two scales are connected by interferometric 86-226 GHz images of size 60,000 AU and resolution 2000 AU in continuum and molecular lines. The data are used to constrain the physical structure of the envelope and investigate the influence of the young star on its immediate surroundings., Comment: To be published in The Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 522 No. 2 (1999 Sep 10). 45 pages including 11 figures

We have made the first detection of circumstellar absorption lines of the 12C13C (Phillips) system 1-0 band and the 12C16O first-overtone 2-0 band in the spectrum of the post-AGB star HD56126 (IRAS07134+1005). The rotational temperatures are lower for molecules with a higher permanent dipole moment. Derived relative column densities ratios are 12C12C/12C13C=36+-13, 12C16O/(12C12C+12C13C)=606+-230, and 12C16O/(12C14N+13C14N)=475+-175. The isotopic exchange reaction for 12C12C is too slow to significantly alter the 12C12C/12C13C ratio and the 12C12C to 12C13C ratio a good measure of half the carbon isotope ratio: 12C/13C=2 X 12C12C/12C13C=72+-26. A fit of the 12C12C excitation model of van Dishoeck & Black (1982) to the relative population distribution of 12C12C yields n sigma / I = 3.3 +- 1.0 X 1e-14. At r=1e16cm this translates in n=1.7e7cm-3 and dM/dt=2.5e-4Msol/year., Comment: 21 pages, submitted to ApJ, 3 figures

The H$\alpha$ profile varies with the orbital period. The two strong shell type emission peaks are identified as from one single broad emission feature with an absorption centered around -7.5~\kms. The intensity variations are largely attributed to a differential amount of reddening towards the H$\alpha$ emitting region and the stellar continuum. The radial velocities suggest that the H$\alpha$ emission moves in phase with the primary, but with a slightly lower velocity amplitude. We propose two competing models that could account for the observed velocity and intensity variations of the H$\alpha$ profile. Model I: light from the primary reflects on a localized spot near the inner radius of the circumbinary disc which is closest to the primary. Model II: H$\alpha$ emission originates in the outer layers of the extended atmosphere of the primary due to activity. These activities are locked to the position of the primary in its orbit. We discuss the similarities of variability and shape of the H$\alpha$ emission of HR~4049 with those of early type T-Tauri stars (e.g SU~Aur)., Comment: 14 pages + 8 pages appendix, 17 figures, 4 tables A&A accepted

We present a detailed chemical analysis on the basis of high-resolution, high signal-to-noise optical spectra of two post-AGB objects IRAS 22223+4327 and IRAS 04296+3429. Both display the unidentified $21 \mu m$ feature in their IR-spectra. The spectroscopic indicators provide accurate atmospheric parameters of $T_{eff}$=6500 K, $log g=1.0$ and $\xi_t = 5.5 km/s$ for IRAS 2223+4327 and $T_{eff}$=7000 K, $log g=1.0$ and $\xi_t = 4.0 km/s$ for IRAS 04296+3429. Both photospheres are found to be metal-deficient with [Fe/H]= -0.4 and -0.7 respectively. C and N are found to be overabundant. The mean abundance of all the measured s-process-elements is [s/Fe]=+1.0 for IRAS 2223+4327 and +1.4 for IRAS 04296+3429. The distribution of the s-process elements can best be described as due to a distribution of neutron exposures with a low mean neutron exposure of $\tau_{0} = 0.2 mbarn^{-1}$. The 21 $\mu$m stars form an interesting sub-group in the total post-AGB sample of stars, not only for their IR characteristics, but also in a broader context of stellar (chemical) evolution theory. They show, in contrast to other post-AGB stars, that the 3rd dredge-up has been efficient during their AGB evolution. The mean neutron exposure is lower than expected for their metallicity., Comment: 12 pages, 8 figures Accepted A&A

The discovery of the planet around the solar-type star 51 Pegasi marked a watershed in the search for extrasolar planets. Since then seven other solar-type stars have been discovered, of which several have surprisingly short orbital periods, like the planet around 51 Peg. These planets were detected using the indirect technique of measuring variations in the Doppler shifts of lines in the spectra of the primary stars. But it is possible that oscillations of the stars themselves (or other effects) could mimic the signature of the planets, particularly around the short-period planets. The apparent lack of spectral and brightness variations, however, led to widespread acceptance that there is a planet around 51 Peg. This conclusion was challenged by the observation of systematic variations in the line profile shapes of 51 Peg, which suggested stellar oscillations. If these observations are correct, then there is no need to invoke a planet around 51 Peg to explain the data. Here we report observations of 51 Peg at a much higher spectral resolution than those in ref.9, in which we find no evidence for systematic changes in the line shapes. The data are most consistent with a planetary companion to 51 Peg., Comment: LaTeX, 6 pages, 2 figures. To appear in 8 January 1998 issue of Nature