THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 91 1987 Nov 26  20.05UT.
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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OBJECT IN M31= Q1987/53
No further news has been received from Moscow relating to the
reported object (E-89,90). It remains possible that the object was
present on Nov 21 and may have been a fast nova or recurrent
eruptive object. Could photographers please check back against all
old photos of the region and if any suspects are found please send
the negatives for analysis. Could all observers continue to monitor
the reported position in case the object has a further outburst.
Brian Marsden has asked me to pass on his personal thanks to all
our observers for the efforts on Nov 24 which involved over 30
observers. He mentions that Denis Buczynski's result was the
first received after a worldwide alert. Well done everyone!

POSSIBLE COMET =Q1987/54
Brian Marsden asks for assistance with a further possible
discovery made in Japan. This is a possible comet with the
following positions:
1987 Nov 25.58125UT RA 3h41m03.22s DEC +41 22'54.5"(1950)
         25.58188      3 40 55.68      +41 20 29.1
Daily motion: RA -3.85m DEC -74.3'.
Calculated position for Nov 26.8UT RA 3h36.2m DEC +39 50'(1950).
Positive or negative results urgently needed.

P/TEMPEL 1 (1987e1)
J.V.Scotti, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, reports his recovery of
this comet with the 0.91-m SPACEWATCH telescope at Kitt Peak on
Oct 27 at m2=20.9. The comet is close to predictions on MPC 11501.
                                                 IAUC 4498
(3173) MCNAUGHT
Congratulations to Rob McNaught on the naming of asteroid 3173
(discovered by Bowell on 1981 Nov 24) after him. Named by the
discoverer, following a suggestion by D.A.J.Seargent.

(3174) ALCOCK = 1984 UV
Congrats also to George Alcock who has also be honoured. 3174 was
also found by Bowell (1984 Oct 26).

Guy M Hurst