We present new split spectral types for 191 O and B stars in the LMC previously having only objective prism data. The spectroscopic and photometric data on the LMC O stars are not yet complete, but we are able to discuss the intrinsic colors and the distance modulus of the LMC. We find that the latter is 18.3 ± 0.3 both from spectroscopic parallax and ZAMS fitting, somewhat smaller than the canonical value of 18.6 and closer to the Schommer et al. (1984) value of 18.2. The intrinsic (U - B)₀, (B - V)₀ of the O stars hardly differ among themselves and are similar to the values of the earliest B main- sequence stars. This is the first paper in a series on the massive-star content of the Magellanic Clouds; ultimately we plan to derive the massive-star formation rates and initial mass functions directly.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Conti et al. (1986) studied this question.