Using CGS4 on UKIRT, we have obtained the first 2.05-2.45 μm infrared spectra of the Galactic bulge low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) GX1+4 and GX13+1. We report the detection of Brackett gamma emission from the accretion disc in both systems, confirming the identification of the IR counterpart to GX13+1. In addition, both spectra show CO molecular

We have obtained an H-band infrared light curve of the low-mass X-ray binary transient Nova Muscae 1991. We model the light curve as being due to the tidal distortion of the secondary star in the gravitational field of a black hole, and thus deduce the binary inclination to be 54 deg, with 90 per cent confidence limits of +20 deg/-15 deg. Combining

We present a uniform and high quality set of infrared photometric (JHK) observations of the 6 peculiar carbon giant stars V Ari, UV Cam, BD+34 911, TU Gem, BD+57 2161 and BD+34 4134. All of these belong to the small group of known cool CH giants populating the Galactic halo. Comparison of the J-H and H-K colours to "normal" C stars show our stars

We present the first light curves in the infrared J, H, and K bands of UX Her and analyze them together with published light curves in B and V in order to determine the physical parameters of the system. Based on the spectra of UX Her and standard stars in the region 8440-8870 Å, we classify the primary component of the binary as a type A2-3 V star

The Instituto de Astrofisica is finalizing the design for a 10 m class optical/infrared telescope at the Observatory Roques de los Muchachos, La Palma. It is widely recognized that the traditional observing modes are inefficient so it is intended to explore other alternatives to maximize the scientific return from the telescope and to provide the

A project to build a large telescope at the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos (ORM), in the island of La Palma, has been underway for several years. Spanish astronomy has progressed steadily to the point where gaining access to large telescope time is key to its continued and future growth. Also the technological situation within