Ultraviolet photometry with the Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS). Observations of beta Canis Majoris variables.

The paper deals with detailed ANS observations of three Beta Canis Majoris variables: Xi-1 CMa, HD 61068 (whose discovery is reported here) and 15 CMa. Light curves at five ultraviolet wavelengths are presented, and the periods and amplitudes are discussed. The ultraviolet colors are used to derive temperatures and temperature variations, which are compared with the MK spectral types. The anomalously high luminosity found for Xi-1 CMa on the basis of certain line strengths is also discussed.