An HST observation is scheduled for Aug. 29. The takeover by a SN light curve would also result in a dramatic reddening of the afterglow colours. The updated R-band light curve of the optical afterglow of GRB 990712. The three first points are from SAAO, the fourth point is based on our NTT image. The fifth point is based on our VLT image.
Error bars are about the size of the data points.
The solid curve is the combined effect of these contributions and gives a good fit to the observations. This model also gives a good fit to the observations. Using the astrometry of Sahu et al. However, this object is scheduled to be reobserved in late April or early May of this year. The resulting images, when subtracted from those reported here, should allow an unambiguous identification of the OT, and an accurate determination of its magnitude and color at this first HST epoch.