Observations of the unusual counterpart to the X-ray pulsar AX J0051-733

We report optical and IR observations of the ASCA X-ray pulsar system AX J0051-733. The relationship between the X-ray source and possible optical counterparts is discussed. Long term optical data from over 7 years are presented which reveal both a 1.4d modulation and an unusually rapid change in this possible binary period. Various models are discussed.