THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 163 1988 Jun 02 18.43UT. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------- NOVA OPH 1988 Rob McNaught e-mails: "Pam Kilmartin has measured V mags for some nearby stars V Mag dRA dDec RA (1950) Dec 9.8 90"W 231"S 17h08m43.9s -29d37'49" SAO 185131 11.8 265 W 25 N 13.1 15 W 23 N 17 08 49.7 -29 33 34 14.6 80 E 40 N My estimates at maximum used SAO 185131 at mag 9.8, which was rather fortuitous! My latest estimates are May UT 21.54 9.8; 25.50, 10.3; 25.75, 10.6; 26.45, 10.6; 29.39, 11.0; 29.83 11.0". AH HERCULIS S.Korth, Germany provides further estimates: May 21.916UT, 13.7; 22.993, 11.4; 29.903, 13.6 (C14). A summary of all results was telexed to La Palma this morning. LICK ATLAS The editor has now acquired this atlas giving coverage of the sky in B to mag 15-16 down to -36deg. This will permit queries on fainter objects to be investigated more readily. I have also established an overnight telephone link with an observer who can consult the Palomar Sky Survey. This should ensure that our checking service continues to be the most comprehensive available to potential discoverers. MICROLINK/PRESTEL Microlink subscribers will find details of Prestel increased charges and a statement that our own system prices should remain static in the short term. (type 'PRICE' at chevron). If anyone is using system 74 via Prestel and Interlink and is concerned about their position please e-mail the editor. Guy M Hurst