Abstract
We are obtaining COD spectra of possible new M supergiants identified on low-dispersion, I-N objective-prism plates taken near the southern galactic plane. The spectra cover the range 6400-8800 Å with a resolution of 8 Å. The spectra of 180 stars have been observed at least once, and the spectra of about 40 late-type,. luminous MK standards have been obtained as well. The standards are used to calibrate equivalent widths of the Ca II triplet as a function of luminosity and temperature, and this is the principal criterion used to classify the COD spectra. Analysis of this material indicates that there are >60 new K/M super- giants, some very heavily reddened, and a few new S stars in the sample. This at least doubles the number of late supergiants known in the areas searched. We expect that some of these stars lie at distances of 5 to 6 kpc and that the survey will have a significant impact on studies of galactic structure and massive star evolution
