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February 2003

• February 27, 2003 Signs of spring everywhere. The hill where the Observatory stands is full of blooming flowers. It is a fine sight with the shining silver dome in the distance in the midst of rape blossoms (Brassica napus) . And the blue water of the Pacific Ocean far beyond ... It is clear today. I am going to observe C/2002 X5, which has at last crawled out of the Sun's intense light and is seen very low on the southern ocean. Will this 20th-magnitude comet be captured by the 60cm telescope again? • February 20, 2003 Due to bright moon light there has been no observation for some time. As usual I looked out a small window on the east a little after 6 am. In the eastern sky where day is breaking I found Mars blazing with red flames over fast drifting snow clouds above the small hill. This is the year of Mars' closest approach. It has barely started, but that huge red star stunned me. It is after all a mysterious star, isn't it.
Leica R4 50mm F2 with a 5-second exposure
• February 9, 2003 We are having a period of good weather. In the evening on my way to the observatory to observe the comet (C/2002 V1). I stop by Tei Beach to watch the setting sun. It is a magnificent moment when the sun sets and the sky over the ocean changes to a mysterious red. Viewing the setting sun at the beach and worship the comet at the observatory... One can't think of any better way of life than this. I wish I could keep this wonderful life forever.
The setting sun from Tei Beach

• February 27, 2003
Signs of spring everywhere. The hill where the Observatory stands is full of blooming flowers. It is a fine sight with the shining silver dome in the distance in the midst of rape blossoms (Brassica napus) . And the blue water of the Pacific Ocean far beyond ...
It is clear today. I am going to observe C/2002 X5, which has at last crawled out of the Sun's intense light and is seen very low on the southern ocean. Will this 20th-magnitude comet be captured by the 60cm telescope again?

• February 20, 2003
Due to bright moon light there has been no observation for some time. As usual I looked out a small window on the east a little after 6 am. In the eastern sky where day is breaking I found Mars blazing with red flames over fast drifting snow clouds above the small hill. This is the year of Mars' closest approach. It has barely started, but that huge red star stunned me. It is after all a mysterious star, isn't it.

Leica R4 50mm F2 with a 5-second exposure

• February 9, 2003
We are having a period of good weather. In the evening on my way to the observatory to observe the comet (C/2002 V1).
I stop by Tei Beach to watch the setting sun. It is a magnificent moment when the sun sets and the sky over the ocean changes to a mysterious red. Viewing the setting sun at the beach and worship the comet at the observatory... One can't think of any better way of life than this. I wish I could keep this wonderful life forever.

The setting sun from Tei Beach