  The Astronomer's Telegram (ATEL; http://fire.berkeley.edu:8080/) is a web
based short-notice (<4000 characters) publication system for reporting and
commenting on new astronomical observations, offering for the first time in
astronomy effectively instantaneous distribution of time-critical information
for the entire professional community. It is designed to take advantage of the
World Wide Web's simple user interface and the ability of computer programs to
provide nearly all the necessary functions. One may post a Telegram, which is
instantly (<1 second) available at the Web-site, and distributed by email
within 24 hours through the Daily Email Digest, which is tailored to the
subject selections of each reader. Optionally, urgent Telegrams may be
distributed through Instant Email Notices. While ATEL will be of particular use
to observers of transient objects (such as gamma-ray bursts, microlenses,
supernovae, novae, or X-ray transients) or in fields which are rapidly evolving
observationally, there are no restrictions on subject matter.
