The R Coronae Borealis variables in the large Magellanic cloud

Spectra were obtained of three RCB stars in the LMC. W Men ( Mv = – 5·1) and HV 12842 |$({M}_{v}\,\sim\,-4)$| have weak C 2 absorption bands (maximum depression of the continuum ~11 per cent in the 4737 Å sequence). This C 2 strength is similar to that in the galactic F type RCB stars, R CrB and RY Sgr. HV 5637 ( Mv = –4·0) has very strong C 2 bands (maximum continuum depression ~ 72 per cent in the 4737 Å sequence). Such strong C 2 bands are characteristic of R type RCB stars like S Aps. Evidently both F and R type RCB stars are high luminosity objects.