We have obtained intermediate resolution optical spectra of the black-hole candidate Nova Sco 1994 in June 1996, when the source was in an X-ray/optical active state (R~15.05). We measure the radial velocity curve of the secondary star and obtain a semi-amplitude of 279+/-10 km s-1 a value which is 30 per cent larger than the value obtained when

GRO J0422+32 (= V518 Per) is a black-hole X-ray nova which went into outburst on August 5, 1992. Since then, we have been monitoring the decay light curve of the optical counterpart using the FLWO 1.2-m telescope. Following the steep optical decay of the primary outburst in April 1993, two mini-outbursts were observed with amplitudes of ~ 4 mag and

According to its spectral type B2 Ib/I I (Klare & Neckel 1977; Schmidt & Carruthers 1996), HD163899 is a supergiant star. The star presents p and g-mode pulsations (Saio et al. 2006). In such a post-main sequence (post MS) star, the helium core is radiative with a very large Brunt-Väisälä frequency which produces a strong damping. The presence of

The spectrum of O and B Supergiants is known to be affected by an important extra line-broadening (usually called macroturbulence) that adds to stellar rotation. Recent analysis of high resolution spectra has shown that the interpretation of this line-broadening as a consequence of large-scale turbulent motions would imply highly super-sonic

A list of 199 standard stars suitable for the ESO standard photometric system at JHKLM is given. Faint stars (although brighter than K = 7.7) to be used on larger telescopes are included. This list is based on an analysis of all infrared photometric observations carried out at La Silla from 1979 until 1989 inclusive. The accuracy of the data (about

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