Optical Emission Bands in the Spectrum of the R-Coronae and V854-CENTAURI at Minimum

Abstract

Several unidentified broad emission features, previously seen only in the spectrum of the nebulosity in the Red Rectangle, have been observed in a spectrum of the R CrB star V854 Cen taken in a deep minimum. Similarities and differences between the bands from the two sources are noted. The presence of the bands associated with an R CrB star may suggest that their carrier does not contain hydrogen atoms. Extended red emission seen from the Red Rectangle and probably associated with hydrogenated carbon grains is not present in the spectrum of V854 Cen.