THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 144 1988 Apr 17  17.00UT.
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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TAV 0226+39
Rigorous examination of the Papadopoulos Atlas shows that the
image, previously thought to be of TAV 0226+39 (1976 Oct 19), is
probably a flaw. When viewed at high magnification, the image is
slightly elongated, and at a slightly different position when
compared with prime focus photographs by Alan Young.
The absence of prediscovery images in the search to date, the
blueness on Palomar and the large range suggests that the object is
a nova but unfortunately appeals from the Central Bureau for
spectroscopic confirmation have so far gone unheeded. However it is
understood that professional astronomers in Tenerife did obtain a
spectrum some weeks ago which, from preliminary examination,
suggested a nova but after the details were stored in a computer a
malfunction occurred and further analysis has still not been
possible. We are in touch with Mark Kidger by telex in the hope
that this can be resolved.
Further estimates by G.Hurst and S.Lubbock (both 0.44-m refl):
Apr 9.84UT, 12.0 (Hurst); 10.84UT, 12.1 (Hurst);11.85, 12.2(Hurst);
12.84, 12.3 (Hurst); 12.86, 12.3 (Lubbock); 13.86, 12.5 (Lubbock).
Further observations are urgently needed in the evening or morning
sky to ensure the light curve is as complete as possible and charts
and sequence can be supplied on e-mail request.

CH UMA
Further to the note on E143, S.Lubbock reports that his recent
observations indicate the star has been near magnitude 14 for some
time and that the star is not currently going into outburst. This
star's behaviour is very unusual and nightly monitoring is needed.

SUPERNOVA 1988K IN UGC 08179
J.Mueller and Alain Maury report their discovery of a supernova in
UGC 08179 which is located at:
RA 13h02.9m DEC +32 16'(1950).
The object is 2.6"E and 34.5"N of the centre of the galaxy and of
magnitude 18. A spectrum obtained by M.Schmidt et al indicates it
is of type I.                                           IAUC 4580

VARIABLE OBJECT IN OPHIUCHUS
H.Kosai, Toyko Astronomical Observatory, reports that M.Wakuda has
discovered a variable object at:
RA 17h08.8m DEC -29 34'(1950)
Magnitude estimates (200-mm lens, Tri-X, green filter):
Mar 27, [11; Apr 10.72UT, 8.5; 13.74, 10.1; 14.72, 10.2.
The object is absent from the Lick Sky Atlas.           IAUC 4581

TA INDEX
We welcome Storm Dunlop to our group. His mailbox number is:
MAG 100665

Guy M Hurst