2000A&AS..147....5M

We present the results of low- and high-resolution spectroscopic and multicolour photometric observations of two early-type emission-line stars, AS 78 and MWC 657. They were identified by Dong & Hu (1991) with the IRAS sources 03549+5602 and 22407+6008, respectively, among many other sources displaying a very strong infrared excess, V-[25]≥8mag AS 78 is recognized as a photometric variable for the first time. A large near-IR excess radiation is detected in AS 78 and confirmed by new, higher-quality, data for MWC 657. Significant variations in the Balmer line profiles are detected for both objects. Modelling of the Balmer line profiles of AS 78 obtained in 1994 yields the following parameters of the star and its wind: T_eff∼17000K, logL_bol/L_☉∼4.0, {dot}(M)∼10^–6M_☉/yr. The photometric and new spectroscopic data indicate that the star's T_eff increases with time, while the stellar wind changes its structure. Distances towards both objects are estimated on the basis of their radial velocities and the galactic rotation curve. Consideration of different options about the nature and evolutionary state of both objects leads us to suggest that they are binary systems containing a B-type intermediate-luminosity star and a gaseous disk around the less luminous component.