HIGH-RESOLUTION SPECTROSCOPY OF THE SEMIREGULAR VARIABLE LR SCO

A detailed spectroscopic investigation of LR Sco which was earlier misclassified as R CrB star is made. Atmospheric parameters and elemental abundances are determined using detailed depth-dependent model atmospheres and line synthesis technique. Most of the elements show near solar abundances. The strength of circumstellar components seen in Na D lines are used to derive the mass loss rate. Another independent estimate of mass loss rate is made using the observed infrared flux from 1 - 100 mum. These two approaches lead to nearly the same value of mass loss rate when M(v) is assumed to be - 4.5 for this star.