ISOCAM IMAGING OF AG CAR AND HR CAR

We present infrared images obtained with the ISOCAM instrument on boar d the Infrared Space Observatory of two Luminous Blue Variables (AG Ca r and HR Car). The images were obtained at eight wavelengths between 8 .5 and 16 mu m using the Circular Variable Filters (CVFs), with a pixe l size of 6 by 6 arcsec and a total field of view of 192 by 192 arcsec . The nebula around AG Car is clearly resolved. The nebula is particul arly strong in the [Ne II] emission line and at the longer wavelengths in the continuum. Using these images independent spectral energy dist ributions are obtained of the star and the nebula. The spectral energy distribution indicates that most of the infrared radiation in AG Car originates in the extended nebula, and may be due to thermal radiation of dust in the nebula. In fact most of the IR radiation of this objec t longward of 10 mu m originates in the nebula. The star HR Car is not clearly resolved, although the spectra calculated by adding the pixel s show some marked differences between the spectrum of the central pix el and the area around the central pixel, indicating the presence of e xtended emission also in this object.