The optical counterpart of IRAS 12496-7650: a highly embedded Herbig Ae star

Optical and near-infrared observations of IRAS 12496-7650, an active young star and the most luminous IRAS source in the Chameleon II dark cloud, are presented. Infrared variability and optical properties are analysed. IRAS 12496-7650 is proposed as a Herbig Ae star