2000A&A...356..570S

Spectra of the super-metal-rich K2 giant, µ Leonis, have been recorded at high resolution (λ/Δλ≃10⁵) and with signal/noise ≃200, in selected regions between 5250 and 8810Å. An LTE model atmospheres analysis of these spectra, with particular attention to blending by CN molecular lines, suggests that the wings of strong lines and the full profiles of intermediate strength lines are consistent with the following atmospheric parameters and logarithmic abundances, relative to the Sun: T_eff=4540±50K, logg=2.2±0.1dex, Microturbulence, ξ=1.2±0.1km/s, Macroturbulence/rotation, ζ=2.9±0.2km/s, [Fe/H]=+0.29±0.03dex (relative to ε(Fe)_☉=7.50), [Ca/H]=+0.32±0.05dex (relative to ε(Ca)_☉=6.36), [Mg/H]=+0.32±0.05dex (relative to ε(Mg)_☉=7.58). In view of the continuing controversy over the extent to which µ Leo is metal rich, we provide a critical review of other recent metallicity determinations and compare the present results with our own analyses, undertaken using essentially identical methods, of the spectra of other late-type giant stars in the solar neighbourhood.