The extreme LMC supergiant HD 38489 : an optical and ultraviolet study.

Abstract

This investigation combines near-infrared, optical, and ultraviolet observations covering λλ1200 - 7000 to study the extremely luminous B star HD 38489 = S134. The star is found to be an evolved B star with T_eff ≈ 25,000K, M ≡ 80 - 90 M_sun;, and R ≡ 70 R_sun;. The star is similar to the spectra of some of the superluminous stars of the Local Group and to η Car. There is evidence for nitrogen enrichment of the outer envelope and for a strong stellar wind.