A programme to study the near infrared spectroscopic variability in Be
stars has been initiated by the Astronomy and Astrophysics Division of
Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, India. The PRL Near
Infrared Imager/Spectrometer with NICMOS-3 256x256 HgCdTe array with a
spectral resoluton of 1000 will be used at the 1.2m telescope of
Mt. Abu Infrared Observatory (72d 46m 48s E, 24d 39m 9s N) for this
programme. Beginning from October 1998 observations have started and it
is hoped to gather near infrared spectra covering the entire B
subclasses during 1998-1999 observing season. Depending on the
variabilty in individual objects more frequent observations will be
planned.
During October and November 1998 spectra of 
Cas (HR 264), 25 Ori
(HR 1789), 
Ori (HR 1934) and 
Aqr (HR 8539) in the JHK bands
(1 to 2.5 microns) have been obtained. The JHK spectra of Cas
and 25 Ori taken on November 10, 1998 clearly show the hydrogen lines
in emission indicating the active Be phase in these stars. In case of
Ori the absorption features are filled up close to the nearby
continuum while they are clearly in absorption for Aqr.
Persons interested in obtaining simultaneous or near-simultaneous optical spectroscopic observations are requested to contact the author at the email address given above.