Z UMi start of fading Eddy Muyllaert (Belgium) reports that the R CrB-type variable Z UMi is fading. The latest major fading of Z UMi started in 1997 May, and returned close to maximum around 1998 July, after several episodes of fluctuations. Follow-up observations are encouraged. YYMMDD(UT) mag observer 990409.169 110 (G. Hanson) 990409.955 111 (G. Poyner) 990409.967 110 (H. McGee) 990410.158 110 (G. Hanson) 990410.972 110 (G. Poyner) 990411.055 110 (H. McGee) 990411.080 111 (R. J. Bouma) 990411.144 110 (G. Hanson) 990411.867 111 (E. Muyllaert) 990414.146 110 (G. Hanson) 990414.842 111 (G. Comello) 990414.874 110 (G. Poyner) 990414.894 110 (R. J. Bouma) 990415.876 111 (E. Muyllaert) 990417.101 110 (H. McGee) 990418.869 111 (E. Muyllaert) 990418.892 111 (R. J. Bouma) 990419.903 111 (G. Comello) 990420.917 111 (T. Lange) 990423.875 111 (E. Muyllaert) 990423.890 111 (G. Comello) 990424.876 111 (G. Poyner) 990427.890 111 (G. Poyner) 990428.947 111 (G. Poyner) 990429.892 113 (R. J. Bouma) 990430.692 112 (H. Itoh) 990501.271 113 (R. J. Modic) 990503.860 113 (G. Comello) 990503.875 113 (R. J. Bouma) 990506.897 116 (E. Muyllaert) 990507.041 110 (H. McGee) 990508.901 116 (E. Muyllaert) 990509.910 116 (R. J. Bouma) 990510.338 115 (R. J. Modic) 990510.865 115 (G. Comello) 990510.892 116 (R. J. Bouma) 990510.922 117 (E. Muyllaert) 990510.983 114 (D. Gill) 990511.990 113 (H. McGee) 990512.056 114 (G. Poyner) 990512.933 118 (E. Muyllaert)