THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 170 1988 June 16 19.31UT.
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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SUPERNOVA 1988A IN M58
Mark Kidger, Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, telexes:
"Analysis of magnitude estimates published on IAU circulars and in
data supplied by G.M.Hurst, UK Nova and Supernova Patrol, reveals
that this object has shown an enduring plateau in its light curve.
After a possible initial spike, there is evidence of a decline of
0.011 mag/day until mid-February, followed by a standstill or
slight rise. A faster decline (0.015 mag/day) started in late March
and has continued. The standstill was accompanied by a considerable
reddening. BVRI photometry by D.Jones with the 1-m Jacobus Kapetyn
Telescope on Apr 23 gives B-V= +0.7, V=15.1 (in close agreement
with UKNSNP results), V-R=+0.6, V-I=+0.9. The spectra obtained are
typical of SN type IIp."               IAUC 4613
Editor:
The above shortened version of a full IAUC on this object clearly
shows the value of a good series of results obtained by both
visual and photographic patrollers on this object which alerted the
professional community to the unusual behaviour of this object.

OCCULTATION BY PLUTO
Further to the report on E-168, P.M.Kilmartin, Mount John
University Observatory, reports that the June 9 occultation was
photoelectrically monitored by three telescopes. A slow decline
began about 10h38m50sUT and levelled out at 10h39m15s. A slow rise
began about 10h39m32s and ended 10h39m50s. The depth of the event
was about 0.2 mag in V.
G.Blow, Carter Observatory, reports an atmospheric occultation
of 21.8s both before and after the main occultation. The magnitude
drop was 1.83 mag.
Several other reports of atmospheric occultations have been
reported to the Central Bureau.        IAUC 4612

AL COM

This UG star is on the recurrent objects programme:
RA 12h 29.9m DEC +14 37 (1950)
magnitude range 13.1-20.0p
A recent report by S.Korth, Germany, and relayed by P.Schmeer
suggested tentative sightings near mag 15 but no independent
reports were received. If anyone has positive or negative
observations over the last month please e-mail these to the Editor,

Guy M Hurst