Reports from Geisei Observatory<December 9, 2002>

• Observation data: C/2002 X1(LINEAR)
Bluish-white snow clouds frequently drift overhead. Snowflakes from distant clouds fall on the dome, even when the sky has become clear. I persevered until morning twilight from 21.00 when the moon set over the sea in the southwest. The sky over the southern ocean was always clear and Canopus' huge blue light was reflected on the water.

2002 UT        R.A  (2000)    Decl.         m1
Dec. 9.74444   10 30 07.33   +20 16 20.3   16.5
     9.75764   10 30 06.53   +20 16 26.3

C/2002 X2(NEAT) was not observed this time around. I am going to the observatory now for tonight's observation. They forecast a 20cm-deep snowfall in the central mountains in Shikoku. Tomorrow morning's minimum temperature is expected to be minus one at Geisei. The coldest time of the winter has just arrived.