THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 263 1989 Feb 19 15.41UT. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------- OCCULTATION OF BD +25 1918 BY (760) MASSINGA A.Hollis and G.Waddington have e-mailed via STARLINK that on 1989 Feb 24, the asteroid (760) Massinga (magnitude 11.9) is due occult BD +25 1918 = AGK3 +25 979 (magnitude 11.4). The uncertainty of the position means that the event, of possible 9 second duration, could be visible from UK but it is impossible to be more precise. The star is located at: RA 08h22m44.99s DEC +25 21'04.55"(1950) (AGK3 catalogue). The event should take place at around 04.05UT but monitoring is suggested between 04.03-04.19UT. Times of start and finish should be recorded as accurately as possible. The event may prove difficult in moonlight and the lack of a published chart is a handicap but please e-mail any results, positive or negative. If anyone has more information please let me know. LUNAR CRESCENT 1989 MARCH 8 G.Waddington also e-mails that on March 8 there is an ideal opportunity to see a 1-day old Moon in the western sky after sunset. The best time would be about 30 minutes after sunset when its altitude will be about 6 deg. Reports should give time of first sighting, location of observer, sky conditions and details of optical aid used (if any). Guy M Hurst