THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 101 1987 Dec 22  19.19UT.
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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EDITORIAL NOTICE
This circulars service will continue uninterrupted throughout the
Christmas period and possible discoveries and queries can therefore
continue to be e-mailed to MAG60138.

COMET BRADFIELD (1987s)
Chris Lord, Forest Row, has reported the detection of a possible
'double nucleus' in this comet when viewed at higher telescopic
powers. Could observers please check this and e-mail their results.

NOVA VULPECULAE 1987
Martin Ratcliffe, Armagh Planetarium, has sent a photo by Patrick
Corvan, caretaker of The Planetarium, showing a prediscovery image
of the nova. The Editor estimates the magnitude to be 6.9 on the
exposure of Nov 13.78UT. This is the fourth prediscovery result
following those by N.James and M.Mobberley and other photographers
should check any wide angle photos of Comet 1987s which might have
included the field.

PROBABLE NOVAE IN M31
J.Bryan, Georgetown, TX, reports his discovery of two probable
novae in M31, both at mpg 17.5 on Nov 21.20UT (Tri-X, 0.41-m
reflector).The positions are:
RA 00h39m26s DEC 40 54.4' (1950)
RA 00 40 47      40 57.9  (1950)
The Editor is currently carrying out an analysis of a photo by
D.Buczynski of M31 taken on Nov 24 to see if images of these
suspects have been recorded. If any other photos of M31 taken at
prime focus are available from the last 3 months please e-mail the
Editor.

Guy M Hurst