The RCB star RY Sagittarii as a pulsating star

Measurements of CN and C2 bandstrengths in the spectrum of RY Sagittarii in 1969 and 1970, when it was on the latter part of its return to maximum and during its subsequent stay at maximum light after the deep minimum of 1967-68, show that the bands vary in strength in the 38.6-day pulsation period. The variations follow the phasing of the B-V and U-B colour curves rather than the V light curve, and must be determined largely by the photospheric temperature as in the case of the carbon-rich Cepheid V553 Centauri. This is supported by a comparison of the ranges in colour and in bandstrength, though the bands are stronger at a given colour than in typical class 1b supergiants. (author)