10
L
, and a temperature of 10,000-13,000 K. Based on its luminosity, temperature, photometric variability, and similarities to the Pistol Star, we conclude that FMM#362 is a luminous blue variable.
T. R. Geballe
F. Najarro
D. F. Figer
Gemini Observatory Northern Operations Center, 670 N. A'ohoku Place, Hilo HI 96720
Instituto de Estructura de la Material, CSIC, Serano 121, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore MD 21218
H and K band moderate resolution and 4µm high resolution spectra have been obtained for FMM#362, a bright star in the Quintuplet Cluster near the Galactic Center. The spectral features in these bands closely match those of the Pistol Star, a luminous blue variable and one of the most luminous stars known. The new spectra and previously-obtained photometry imply a very high luminosity for FMM#362, L 10 L, and a temperature of 10,000-13,000 K. Based on its luminosity, temperature, photometric variability, and similarities to the Pistol Star, we conclude that FMM#362 is a luminous blue variable.
Appears in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
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