THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF VARIABLE STAR OBSERVERS
               25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
                BITNET:  aavso@cfa     SPAN:  cfa::aavso
                    INTERNET:  aavso@cfa.harvard.edu
               Tel. 617-354-0484       FAX 617-354-0665


              AAVSO ALERT NOTICE 190 (August 12, 1994)


1753-25 VAR SGR - NEW VARIABLE IN SAGITTARIUS 

We have been informed by H. Satoh, National Astronomical Observatory, Japan, 
and by the Central Bureau of Astronomical Telegrams (IAU Circular 6051) of the 
discovery of a new variable star by Yukio Sakurai, Mito, Japan, on Aug 8.548 UT
at photographic magnitude 11.4, using Fuji SG400 film.

The 1950 position of Var Sgr is

         R.A. = 17h 56m 35.54s    Decl. = -25 degrees 13' 15.7"

The object has been confirmed as a Mira or symbiotic star undergoing an 
outburst, according to spectroscopic observations made by T. Beers, Michigan
State University, W. Brandner and T. Lehmann, European Southern Observatory,
and H. Duerbeck, Astronomical Institute Munster, on Aug 10.084 UT with the ESO 
1.52-meter telescope.  Additional spectroscopic observations by M. Della Valle,
Universite di Padova, and A. Smette, Groningen, on Aug 10.0 with the La Silla
3.6-meter telescope (+ EFOSC) yield an Me spectrum for this object. 
Photographic surveys examined by Della Valle and Smette show the following 
magnitudes: July 1950, B = ~19, Palomar; May 1976, B = 14-15, ESO; June 1977,
R = ~12, Palomar.

Recent photographic observations of Var Sgr by Sakurai include: May 20 UT, 
<12.5; June 17, <11.5; July 3, <11:; 28.520, 11.4; Aug 8.548, 11.4.  Beers, 
et al. observed Var Sgr on Aug 10.161 UT at 12.41 V PEP.

Enclosed is a "d" scale AAVSO chart of Var Sgr prepared by C. Scovil.  Please 
use it to observe this object and report your observations to AAVSO 
Headquarters, indicating which comparison stars you used in making your 
estimates.  The answering machine at Headquarters, with our charge free number 
(1-800-642-3883), is on nights and weekends for your convenience.  

Congratulations to Y. Sakurai!


1848-19  FN SAGITTARII - CHART CORRECTION

Our attention was drawn by Drs. Arlo Landolt and Bruce Sumner to an error in 
the identification of FN Sgr on the "d" chart issued with AAVSO Alert Notice 
183.  On that chart, FN Sgr is in fact the star labeled 130 to the West of 
the variable.  

Enclosed is a revised chart with FN Sgr correctly identified.  A star to the 
West of FN Sgr, left off the earlier version of the chart, has also been 
added.  We thank our observers for their attention and apologize for the error.


Many thanks for your efforts and your valuable astronomical contributions.

Good observing,

Janet A. Mattei
Director