NGC 6212

P. Biermann, Max-Planck-Institut fur Radioastronomie, Bonn; R. G. Strom, Radiosterrenwacht, Dwingeloo; and N. Bartel, Center for Astrophysics, communicate: "We have identified a strong variable x-ray source, observed three times with the IPC on the Einstein satellite, with the elliptical galaxy NGC 6212, a few arcmin from the quasar 3C 345. Westerbork observations at 327, 609, and 1412 MHz show the presence of an unresolved radio source with a nonthermal spectrum centered on the galaxy. The strong x-ray variability and the presence of radio emission suggest an active nucleus in NGC 6212, possibly a new BL-Lac object or optically- violent variable. The optical position is R.A. = 16h41m41s92 +/- 0s.09, Decl. = +39deg53'55"8 +/- 1" (equinox 1950.0), in agreement with the radio and x-ray positions. Optical spectroscopy is highly desirable."