Circular No. 3821 Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION Postal Address: Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A. TWX 710-320-6842 ASTROGRAM CAM Telephone 617-864-5758 REPORTED NOVA IN CEPHEUS On June 3 Y. Kozai, Tokyo Astronomical Observatory, telexed that Minoru Honda, Kurashiki, had discovered on object of mag 7.5, unconfirmed but presumably a nova, on a (single?) Tri-X exposure obtained on June 1. The object was not found (i.e., was not brighter than mag 11) on May 29 and earlier. H. Kosai subsequently measured the following position from the June 1 plate: 1983 UT R.A. (1950.0) Decl. mpv June 1.63715 22 11 58.03 +56 46 19.9 7.5 Noting that the object was very near the field of YZ Cep, J. Mattei, AAVSO, informs us that J. Morgan, Prescott, AZ, has confirmed a stellar object near the reported approximate position and has obtained the following magnitude estimates: June 4.31 UT, 10.0; 5.24, 10.1. No further positive or negative reports were available, and on the basis of Morgan's observations the Central Bureau alerted telegram subscribers. A telex received today from Tokyo notes that no object brighter than mag 13.5 appears at the position on further exposures on June 3.6 by Honda and also with the Kiso Schmidt telescope. EDITORIAL NOTICE Many modern astrophysicists, particularly those who work at wavelengths outside the optical region, habitually contact us for updated information relating to real or reputed discoveries of both comets and novae. A handful of individuals greatly assist us, not only in confirming, but also in obtaining accurate positions of comets and unusual minor planets. However, there is also a severe need for observers (particularly in the northern hemisphere) who can provide reliable spectroscopic and astrometric observations of as-yet-unconfirmed novae and supernovae (and who will also inform us of relevant negative observations). Rapid communication and response, most preferably by telex, is essential. More than ever before, the Bureau is faced with the problem of deciding whether to transmit a report that may be erroneous or to withhold one that may be real. As an incentive to those professional astronomers willing to assist us in this way, we are prepared to waive line charges, not only for the publication of astrometric observations in these Circulars, but also for that of spectroscopic data promptly communicated following our requests. 1983 June 6 (3821) Brian G. Marsden
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