Symbiotic binaries. Part 1. Spectrophotometry of AX Persei

Secular and eclipse variations of optical emission lines during almost three orbital cycles of the symbiotic star AX Per are presented. The permitted lines show pronounced but nontotal eclipse effects while forbidden lines (i.e. [O3], [Ne3], [Fe7]) do not show such effects. The data are discussed in terms of physical conditions and geometry of the line formation region. The possible presence of the reflection of a hot star light from a red-giant companion is considered. 37 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab. (author)