3C279 optical outburst Dear Colleagues, H. Itoh (Tokyo, Japan, VSOLJ) has reported an intensive optical outburst of the blazar 3C279. Confirmation and follow-up observations are very strongly urged. YYYYMMDD(UT) mag observer 20000426.958 <154 (C. P. Jones) 20000429.628 <137 (H. Itoh) 20000429.962 157 (C. P. Jones) 20000429.969 152 (G. Poyner) 20000430.948 <150 (G. Poyner) 20000501.978 <150 (G. Poyner) 20000502.549 134 (H. Itoh) Regards, Taichi Kato