1998A&A...330..222B

An analysis of differential UBV measurements of HD 6226 secured between 1982 and 1995 at Hvar, and combined with the Hipparcos satellite H_p photometry, led to the finding that this unfrequently observed star is a new variable, characterized by occasional brightenings accompanied by the reddening of the B-V, and blueing of the U-B index. We note that such behaviour was found for several Be stars like QR Vul or o Cas and it would be of interest to check whether also HD 6226 is not an unrecognized Be star. A period analysis of the photometric data indicates a possibility that the brightenings may occur periodically, with a period of 481.3 d. However, this finding needs to be tested since several other possible periods were also detected. Moreover, there is no a priori reason to believe that the brightenings must occur in regular intervals. If there is indeed a 481-d periodicity, then the nearest brightening should occur around Nov. 27, 1998. A spectroscopic study of the star will be crucial for a better understanding of its nature but further photometric monitoring is also very desirable.