THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 58 1987 Sept 3  18.52UT.
Telecom Gold 72:MAG60138
Ed:Guy M Hurst, 16, Westminster Close, Kempshott Rise, Basingstoke,
Hants, RG22 4PP, England. Telephone:(0256)471074.Int:+44256471074
Telex:265871(MONREF G) Quote"72:MAG60138 ATT G.HURST"in FIRST line.
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P/Comet Gehrels 1 (1987v)
This comet has been recovered by J.V.Scotti of the University of
Arizona, using the Kitt Peak SPACEWATCH camera, on Aug 29 at m1=17.
There is an 82" tail in pa 262deg. The following orbital elements
by B.G.Marsden satisfy 23 observations 1972 Oct 11-1987 Aug 31:
T   = 1987 Aug 10.2437 ET           Epoch= 1987 July 24.0 ET
Peri=  28.4814 )                        e= 0.510023
Node=  12.8681 ) 1950.0                 a= 6.099271 AU
Incl=   9.6134 )                        n= 0.0654315
q   =   2.988500 AU                     P= 15.063 years.(IAUC 4444)

Suspect Object in NGC 2300= Q1987/36
Recent photos by A.Young, Burwash, show no new object as indicated
on E-57 but it is possible that a star has shown signs of variation
and the field should continue to be monitored.

Possible Variable= Q1987/35
R.McNaught, Siding Spring Observatory, reports:
"Examination of the PSS shows an extremely red star at:
RA 6h19m.3 DEC +7 22'(1950).
I estimated the mags at approx mr=9 and mb=16 (1953 Dec 9).
On Papadopoulos it is about mag 10 (1973 Jan 11). The GCVS gives
BN Mon at this position (SRB, 12.7-16p, C4,3E(N2) P=600d:). It also
appears in Stephenson's 'General Catalogue of Cool Carbon Stars' as
No 498 Sp N2 mpg 14, mv9, mi 6."

Comet Designations
The recovery designated (1987v) brings the distinct possibility
that for the first time ever, more than 26 comets will receive a
designation in one year. In answer to several enquiries, I have
established that a system of subscripts will then be used after
1987z which will be followed by 1987a1, 1987b1 etc (I cannot
'lower' the '1' on the Telecom Gold software!).

Guy M Hurst