THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 190 1988 Aug 14  10.13UT.
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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ALPHA ORIONIS
John Isles, Cyprus e-mails the following visual magnitude estimates
which indicate that Alpha Orionis is fading:
July 24-Aug 5: mean 0.54 (9 obs)
Aug 6.09UT, 0.7; 8.08, 0.7; 9.10, 0.8; 11.10, 0.9; 12.09, 1.1.
He comments that this may be the 'pop' which occurs every 5-6 years
when the star ejects matter. (Sky and Telescope 1983 Dec p501).
We URGENTLY need estimates of this star to establish if the fade is
confirmed so that we can alert professional astronomers to the need
for multicolour photometry etc. Please e-mail using the EXPRESS
option.

COMET MACHHOLZ (1988j)
No observations have been received of this object. The discoverer's
name should read Donald E.Machholz who is based at Loma Prieta, CA.
The discovery, with 27x120B, was of his fourth comet.

R CRB
J.Danielsson, Sweden, e-mails the following recent estimates:
Aug 1.96UT, 8.3 (K.G.Andersson, Solna); 7.92, 10.3 (Margareta
Westlund, Uppsala); 8.92, 10.4 (Andersson)

EDITORIAL
Have returned from two weeks sun-scorched weather in Norway. The
fjords are really magnificent! I have 94 e-mail and snail mail
messages which I am working through. Thanks to Peter and Alan for
holding the fort. I am now ready to get back into full gear so
start e-mailing!

Guy M Hurst