THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 80 1987 Oct 30 19.09UT. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------- POSSIBLE VARIABLE NEAR NGC 891= TASV 0219+42 G.M.Hurst, Basingstoke, reports his discovery of a possible variable near NGC 891 on a photo by M.Oates of 1987 Sept 26. The star is located at RA 02h 19.9m DEC +42 11'(1950) and is not in the GCVS or NSV. Estimates by Hurst from available photos: Date Magn Photographer Film type 1982 Oct 11 10.4 J.Salmi 103a-0 1984 Nov 25 9.3 R.Arbour Tri-X 1986 Aug 28 9.8 B.Abrams Tri-X 1986 Sep 1 9.4 B.Abrams K2475 1986 Sep 7 10.0 M.Mobberley 3M 1000 1987 Sep 26 9.2 M.Oates K2415 It is not excluded that the apparent variation might be due to differing responses of the various film types. Further photos past and present would be appreciated. A set of 2 charts covering NGC 891 and the suspect are available free on e-mail request. POSSIBLE COMET = Q1987/44 The motion quoted in E-79 should read east and not west as stated. COMET LEVY (1987y) Extension to ephemeris on E-74: 1987 ET RA(1950) DEC(1950) Earth Sun Elong m1 Nov 1 16h23.46m +12 59.00' 1.807 1.237 40.4 10.2 3 16 32.11 +12 31.25 1.841 1.270 40.6 10.3 5 16 40.45 +12 04.02 1.875 1.303 40.8 10.5 7 16 48.50 +11 37.42 1.911 1.336 40.9 10.6 9 16 56.27 +11 11.56 1.947 1.369 41.0 10.8 11 17 03.77 +10 46.50 1.984 1.402 41.0 10.9 13 17 11.02 +10 22.31 2.022 1.435 40.9 11.0 15 17 18.04 + 9 59.03 2.060 1.467 40.8 11.2 Guy M Hurst