Precision uvbyCaH{beta} photometry of the metal-deficient, old open cluster NGC2506 is presented. The survey covers an area of 20'*20' and extends to V~18 for b-y and H{beta} and to V~17.0 for c_1_ and hk. For V brighter than 16.0, photometric scatter among the indices leads to the recovery of six known variables within the cluster core and five new variables in the outer 5' of the survey field. Proper motions, radial velocities, and precise multicolor indices are used to isolate a highly probable sample of cluster members from the very rich color-magnitude diagram. From 257 highly probable members at the cluster turnoff, we derive a reddening estimate of E(b-y)=0.042+/-0.001 (E(B-V)=0.058+/-0.001), where the errors refer to the internal standard errors of the mean. [Fe/H] is derived from the A/F dwarf members using both m_1_ and hk, leading to [Fe/H]=-0.296+/-0.011 (sem) and -0.317+/-0.004 (sem), respectively. The weighted average, heavily dominated by hk, is [Fe/H]=-0.316+/-0.033. Based on red giant members, we place an upper limit of +/-0.010 on the variation in the reddening across the face of the cluster. We also identify two dozen potential red giant cluster members outside the cluster core. Victoria-Regina isochrones on the Stromgren system produce an excellent match to the cluster for an apparent modulus of (m-M)=12.75+/-0.1 and an age of 1.85+/-0.05Gyr.
Wra 751 is a Luminous Blue Variable that lately exhibits strong changes in light and colour. We summarize the available photometry of Wra 751, present new photometric observations, and discuss these data with special attention on the systematic differences between the various data sources. In addition, we establish an empirical relationship between b-y and B-V for this class of stars. Wra 751 is a strong-active member of the S Dor class exhibiting very-long term S Doradus phases with an amplitude of about two magnitudes in V and a cycle length of several decades. The associated B-V colour-index amplitude is about 0.4mag. At this moment this LBV, which is the reddest member of the class, goes through the bright (and red) stage of a long-term S Dor cycle. The S Dor behaviour of this system shows some resemblance to the temporal characteristics of the Galactic LBV AG Car: time scales and amplitudes of light and colour variability are very similar.
Deneb is often considered the prototypical A-type supergiant and is one of the visually most luminous stars in the Galaxy. A-type supergiants are potential extragalactic distance indicators, but the variability of these stars needs to be better characterized before this technique can be considered reliable. We analyzed 339 high-resolution echelle spectra of Deneb obtained over the five-year span of 1997 through 2001 as well as 370 Stroemgren photometric measurements obtained during the same time frame. Our spectroscopic analysis included dynamical spectra of the H{alpha} profile, H{alpha} equivalent widths, and radial velocities measured from SiII {lambda}{lambda} 6347, 6371.
