The winds of Luminous Blue Variables and the Mass of AG Car

Abstract

We present radiation-driven wind models for Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs) and predict their mass-loss rates. A comparison between our predictions and the observations of AG Car shows that the variable mass loss behaviour of LBVs is due the recombination/ionisation of Fe IV/III and Fe III/II. We also derive a present-day mass of 35 Msun for AG Car.