FAST OPTICAL VARIABILITY OF GRO J0422+32

We present spectroscopic and photoelectric optical observations of the X-ray nova GRO J0422+32 = Nova Persei 1992 obtained with a TV spectru m scanner, UBVR photometer and soft/hardware MANIA complex on the Spec ial Astrophysical Observatory 6 m telescope and with a fast double-hea d photometer at the Bologna Observatory. In the early phase after disc overy the spectrum of the object presented a variable continuum with i ntensity rising blueward and some weak emissions (H, He, N). Photoelec tric data show a modulation on a time scale of about 5 hours and stoch astic flashes, probably of nonthermal origin, on a timescale from 10-2 0 ms to 200 s. A unique episode of fading of the object was observed o n JD 2448986.52.