THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 54 1987 Aug 23 17.31UT. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Supernova 1987L in NGC 2336 Dana Patchick, Malibu, California, reports the discovery of a supernova in NGC 2336 (RA 7h16m.2 DEC +80 20', 1950). It was originally suspected at mag 13.5v in the dawn sky on July 27 and was seen again on Aug 16 at mv=14.2. J.Bryan, Georgetown, Texas, confirmed the discovery on Aug 17 and notified the Central Bureau that day. Spectral confirmation by M.A.Strauss has only just been obtained, indicating it is a type II object, probably 1-2 months past maximum. (IAUC 4441) Comet Rudenko (1987u) Further positions: 1987 UT RA(1950) DEC (1950) Observer Aug 22.24583 14h04m45s.33 +33 37'37".9 Tatum 22.40196 14h04m14s.94 +33 34'49".3 McNaught 23.22431 14h01m38s.51 +33 18'40".9 Tatum (E-mail and IAU telexes). Periodic Comet Jackson-Neujmin (1987t) This comet has been recovered by J.Gibson with the 1.5-m refl. at Palomar on July 25 and by Gehrels and Scotti at Kitt Peak on Aug 17; m1=18. Coma dia 19" on Aug 18. (IAUC 4437) Guy M Hurst