TITLE: GCN CIRCULAR NUMBER: 32513 SUBJECT: GRB 220831A, VLT/HAWK-I near-infrared observations DATE: 22/09/01 20:48:48 GMT FROM: Daniele B Malesani at Radboud U P. D'Avanzo (INAF/OABr), A. Rossi (INAF/OAS), D. B. Malesani (Radboud and DAWN/NBI), S. Campana (INAF/OABr), A. J. Levan (Radboud univ.) report on behalf of the Stargate collaboration: Following the report of the Swift/BAT/GUANO GRB 220831A (Tohuvavohu et al., GCN 32506; see also Wood & Meegan, GCN 32511) we observed the BAT error circle with the ESO Very Large Telescope, equipped with the HAWK-I near-infrared camera. Observations consisted in 20 min exposure in the J band, with a mean time of 19.4 hr after the GRB. Lacking a deep reference image to check for variability, no claim of a new object can be made based solely on our data. Within the BAT error circle, several objects are apparent in the HAWK-I image which are not visible in the the Legacy survey (z and r bands), which are likely due to color effects. A source is visible in the HAWK-I image which is consistent with the weak X-ray source reported by Dichiara et al. (GCN 32510), at coordinates (J2000): RA = 01:37:00.95 Dec = -41:35:34.37 Its Vega magnitude is J = 21.9 +- 0.09, calibrated against one 2MASS star, and is not detected in the Legacy survey down to limiting magnitudes z > 23.1, r > 24 (all AB). We also note the presence of the nearby galaxy NGC 625, with a NED distance ~4 Mpc, which is 23.6 arcmin (~30 kpc in projection) away from the BAT coordinates of GRB 220831A. We acknowledge the support of the observing staff at Paranal. Further observations are planned.