Electronic Telegram No. 223
Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams
INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION
M.S. 18, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A.
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CBAT@CFA.HARVARD.EDU (science)
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V1647 ORIONIS AND ASSOCIATED NEBULA
     C. Aspin, Gemini Observatory; and B. Reipurth, University
of Hawaii, report on observations made at the Gemini 8-m telescope
on Mauna Kea.  GMOS optical images obtained on Aug. 30 UT show
that V1647 Ori (cf. IAUC 8354), upon its re-emergence in the
morning twilight, has faded by approximately 1 magnitude in the
r' passband since Jan. 8.  McNeil's nebula itself (cf. IAUC 8284)
has also faded considerably.  The duration of the outburst so far
exceeds 21 months.  Optical spectra still show strong H-alpha
emission with blue-shifted absorption.  Both the depth and extent
of the strong absorption component are less than previously observed,
suggesting that the powerful wind is weakening.


NOTE: These 'Central Bureau Electronic Telegrams' are sometimes
      superseded by text appearing later in the formal IAU Circulars.

                         (C) Copyright 2005 CBAT
2005 September 13                (CBET 223)               Daniel W. E. Green