The Herbig Ae/Be star HD 200775 as a spectroscopic binary

New spectroscopic observations obtained in 1998–2001 and published radial velocities of neutral helium absorption lines suggest that the Herbig Ae/Be star HD 200775 is a spectroscopic binary with a 1180±60 day period. We have determined the elements of the spectroscopic orbit. The presence of both rapid and long-time-scale spectral variability is demonstrated. The rapid variability is apparently due to a nonuniform circumstellar environment and modulation by the axial rotation of the system’s primary. Using data from the literature, we plot the V light curve of the system, which shows some brightening near the time of the minimum radial velocity, with its duration not exceeding 0.2 of the orbital cycle. We suggest that the system’s secondary is a low-mass (≥ 0.5M⊙) protostar, and that a semitransparent extended circumstellar envelope gives rise to eclipses in the system.