Spectral features of RZ Psc, a cool star with Algol-like brightness minima

We have determined the physical (T-eff, log g, zeta) and kinematic (V(e)sin i, V-r) parameters and abundances for 14 chemical elements in the atmospher e of the "antiflare" variable RZ Psc, using medium-resolution spectra obtai ned with the Coude spectrographs of the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrop hysical Observatory and the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory 2.6-m Shain t elescope. The chemical composition of the star is characterized by a slight metal deficiency; however, the iron and calcium abundances are consistent with the solar values within the errors. We also detected a peculiar dip (d epression) of the continuum level near the H-alpha line. Assuming that this depression and the photospheric H-alpha line have independent origins, we calculated the hydrogen abundance X in the atmosphere of RZ Psc. The result ing value X = 0.70 (of the solar value) implies a relative deficiency of hy drogen. Together with the spatial location of the star, these properties pr ovide evidence that RZ Pse is an evolved star, most likely belonging to pop ulation II. (C) 2000 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".