STUDIES OF SYMBIOTIC STARS .7. EG ANDROMEDAE

Using cross-correlation techniques on CCD echelle spectra we have dete rmined a new set of precise radial velocities of the late type giant i n EG And and have improved its spectroscopic orbit. A detailed monitor ing of the Halpha and HeI 5 876 angstrom profile evolution along the o rbital period is presented and clues to the origin of optical and UV e mission lines are given. 154 new B band magnitudes covering the period 19681985 are discussed as well as a number of low resolution spectra covering the period 1968-1992. The very high baricentric radial veloci ty indicates that EG And is a quite old (hence low-mass) galactic obje ct. This fact and the derived orbital mass function argue against an e clipse scenario for EG And.