------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 1070 1996 Apr 21 09.20UT Ed:Guy M Hurst, 16,Westminster Close, Kempshott Rise, Basingstoke, Hants, RG22 4PP,England. Telephone/FAX(0256)471074 Int:+44256471074 INTERNET: GUY@TAHQ.DEMON.CO.UK GMH at AST.STAR.RL.AC.UK WORLD WIDE WEB http://www.demon.co.uk/astronomer ------------------------------------------------------------------- URGENT APPEAL: COMET C/1996 B2 (HYAKUTAKE) The Editorial Board of The Astronomer has decided to publish a handbook relating to this remarkable comet following the success of a similar publication to commemorate our Thirtieth Anniversary. In the true tradition of 'TA', we aim to bring this out very quickly with the aim of providing rapid feedback to all our observers who have contributed results and to others who merely wish to read about this comet whilst it is fresh in our minds. For the first time in the history of 'TA' we intend to include COLOUR photographs on the four cover pages as well as numerous black and white images throughout the issue. We therefore URGENTLY need the following to arrive at the latest by Saturday May 11: 1) Any *observations not yet submitted*, whether visual, photographic or CCD. 2) Any *corrections* to existing observations already reported. In addition to a check on your records please verify that any results which have already appeared in TA agree with your own logbook. 3) New *articles* relating to your general impressions of the comet, how it compares with others you have seen, preliminary analyses, and details of equipment employed especially to cope with the large coma diameter magnitude estimates problem. 4) *Photographs* of the comet, your observing location and equipment used. Colour as well as black and white will be welcomed! 5) *Drawings* of the comet, especially the nuclear region and also tail structures. Whilst we cannot guarantee all items will be published, a large issue is planned and I am sure every observer associated with TA whether a member or not, will wish to contribute and be a part of this important publication. The Editor of this special publication will be Nick James whose postal address is: 11 Tavistock Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 6JL, England His Internet address is: ndj@astro1.demon.co.uk Wherever possible please send articles, observations and encoded images via e-mail. In each case please send copies of the messages to BOTH myself (guy@tahq.demon.co.uk) and to Nick James at the e-mail address above. In this way we can use some material in the main magazine as well as the handbook. Prints are also welcomed and should be sent to Nick James. We need your support! Although the ultimate deadline is May 11, please send your results, articles and photos NOW! Guy M Hurst