THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 170 1988 June 16 19.31UT. 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 1988A IN M58 Mark Kidger, Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, telexes: "Analysis of magnitude estimates published on IAU circulars and in data supplied by G.M.Hurst, UK Nova and Supernova Patrol, reveals that this object has shown an enduring plateau in its light curve. After a possible initial spike, there is evidence of a decline of 0.011 mag/day until mid-February, followed by a standstill or slight rise. A faster decline (0.015 mag/day) started in late March and has continued. The standstill was accompanied by a considerable reddening. BVRI photometry by D.Jones with the 1-m Jacobus Kapetyn Telescope on Apr 23 gives B-V= +0.7, V=15.1 (in close agreement with UKNSNP results), V-R=+0.6, V-I=+0.9. The spectra obtained are typical of SN type IIp." IAUC 4613 Editor: The above shortened version of a full IAUC on this object clearly shows the value of a good series of results obtained by both visual and photographic patrollers on this object which alerted the professional community to the unusual behaviour of this object. OCCULTATION BY PLUTO Further to the report on E-168, P.M.Kilmartin, Mount John University Observatory, reports that the June 9 occultation was photoelectrically monitored by three telescopes. A slow decline began about 10h38m50sUT and levelled out at 10h39m15s. A slow rise began about 10h39m32s and ended 10h39m50s. The depth of the event was about 0.2 mag in V. G.Blow, Carter Observatory, reports an atmospheric occultation of 21.8s both before and after the main occultation. The magnitude drop was 1.83 mag. Several other reports of atmospheric occultations have been reported to the Central Bureau. IAUC 4612 AL COM This UG star is on the recurrent objects programme: RA 12h 29.9m DEC +14 37 (1950) magnitude range 13.1-20.0p A recent report by S.Korth, Germany, and relayed by P.Schmeer suggested tentative sightings near mag 15 but no independent reports were received. If anyone has positive or negative observations over the last month please e-mail these to the Editor, Guy M Hurst