SPECTROSCOPIC ANO PHOTOMETRIC OBSERVATIONS OF THE HERBIG Be STAR Z CANIS MAJORIS

Spectroscopic and photometric (UBV) observations ofZ CMa were carried out at ESO, La Silla during February 1983 . Photometric variations of the order of a few tenths of magnitude were detected in contrast with its past more variable behavior. The spectrum of Z CMa appears to have a complex structure showing at the same time characteristics of both early (B5-B8) and late (middle F) spectral types. A rather peculiar and variable profile with three different absorption components was observed at the H13 line. From a comparison between the present and the past behavior it seems that the star is now in a relatively quiescent phase