THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 262 1989 Feb 18 15.24UT. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------- CH CYGNI In response to the message on E261, P.Schmeer, Germany e-mails that he observed it on Feb 17.13UT at magnitude 7.9v. NSV 01098 P.Schmeer also e-mails results on this star, rediscovered by M.Collins, which he has reduced to the latest TA sequence: Jan 14.034UT, 9.3; 24.877,9.5; 26.026,9.5; Feb 14.973,9.6; 17.091, 9.6 (0.203-m SC). SUPERNOVA 1989B IN M66 We have so far received 48 results on this object and time and space prevent giving full details at this stage. However it appears that the supernova reached 12.0 visual at maximum but the date was ill-defined, probably around Feb 10-12. It is noticeable that photographic results on a variety of films record the supernova about 0.2 magnitudes brighter than the visual results on the same dates. This was also the case with SN 1980K in NGC 6946. It is also apparent that SN 1989B is already the best observed extragalactic supernova in the northern sky since SN 1980K for which in excess of 200 results were obtained. It is very important that we continue intensive coverage and that photographers also take regular shots, especially as the supernova fades below the limit of visual observers. When e-mailing results please quote the date, time, FULL estimate (eg A(1(v(1)B), sequence used, magnitude, class, instrument, and for photos the film and filter. Guy M Hurst