1999A&A...351.1021S

Photometric and spectroscopic characterization of the V Sge star V617 Sgr (WR 109) is presented. The orbital period, 0.207 day, is the shortest of its class. The optical light curve presents a double wave with minima and maxima of uneven brightness. Strong emission lines of highly ionized species such as HeII, NV and OVI dominate the optical spectrum. High and low photometric states have been observed and the primary eclipse becomes shallower at eruptions. Hα emission becomes stronger and broader at high state when compared to low state. The striking similarities to V Sge are discussed. The photometric and spectroscopic observations suggest that a high and asymmetric rim exists associated with the accretion disk. This star is interpreted as a X-ray quiet galactic counterpart of the supersoft X-ray binaries seen in the Magellanic Clouds.