Search for β Cephei stars South of declination - 200. Part 2. Photometric and spectrographic observations of early B giants and subgiants - Winter objects

Results of the second part of a program begun in 1975 are presented. Out of 39 β Cephei candidates observed photometrically, 7 turned out to vary with the b ranges exceeding 0 sup(m).020, while 21 have been found constant to within 0 sup(m).010 or better. From spectrographic observations one of the candidates, HD 129 557=HR 5488 (B2 3), is found to be a β Cephei variable. A comparision of the results of this program with other recent photometric searches for β Cephei variables shows good agreement in most cases. There are several discrepant stars, however. These are discussed in some detail. A conclusion emerges that in the low temperature extension of the β Cephei region, if such extension exists at all, on-and-off type pulsations occur. (author)