An estimate of V348 SGR effective temperature

The IUE low dispersion spectra of the irregular variable V348 Sgr taken close to maximum light were compared with those of the B-type stars HD 53138 and HD 58350 and with those of the extreme helium stars HD 12448 and LS II + 33 deg 005. Energy distribution of V348 Sgr was compared with a theoretical continuous distribution based on UBVRI and uvby photometric measurements close to maximum brightness. Results show that V348 Sgr has a carbon-rich atmosphere and a spectral type between s+B3 and s+B5 in the UV (corresponding to between B3 Ia and B5 Ia in the visible). The object probably belongs to the group of extreme helium stars with an effective temperature of 15,000 to 16,000 K.