Reports from Geisei Observatory <October 24, 2003>

• 157P/Tritton, C/2001 HT50(LINEAR-NEAT), P/2003 U3(NEAT)
Comet Tritton appeared to become disintegrated and almost disappear, but it has now made an impressive comeback regaining its strength. It shows a clearer nucleus compared with the appearance on October 22. The tail extends for about 2' in PA 285°. Compare with the photograph taken on October 22.

C/2001 HT50(LINEAR-NEAT) is at visual magnitude 11. There is a faint extension in the southeast.

Here is the latest observation of P/2003 U3(NEAT).

157P(Tritton)
2003 UT        R.A.(2000.0)  Decl.        m1
Oct. 24.81736  10 01 06.33  +13 23 52.8  13.5  372

C/2001 HT50
Oct. 24.71962   3 37 28.91  +17 07 56.7  13.0  372

P/2003 U3
Oct. 24.62431   2 14 31.95  +21 56 17.6  19.4  372
     24.67153   2 14 29.69  +21 56 12.4  19.5  372

157P/Tritton
4.28am-4.46am (J.S.T.) October 25, 2003
60cm f/3.5 reflector at Geisei Observatory
The length of star trails is 30".
The comet has regained its former glory unlike the image made on October 23.

C/2001 HT50 (LINEAR-NEAT)
1.58am-2.13am (J.S.T.) October 25, 2003
60cm f/3.5 reflector at Geisei Observatory
The length of star trails is 20".
The coma is small but bright.