Reports from Geisei Observatory <October 11, 2010>

Photograph of 103P/Hartley

0103P          2010 09 04.57813 22 54 54.57 +39 44 51.5          13.5 N      372
0103P          2010 09 09.67399 23 02 52.43 +42 29 16.7          13.3 N      372
0103P          2010 10 10.64503 02 56 59.53 +55 44 25.5          10.7 N      372
0103P          2010 10 10.78854 02 59 22.77 +55 38 49.9          10.5 N      372

These are the recent observations of 103P/Hartley 2 at Geisei. It has been brightening gradually, but is not surprisingly bright for binoculars.

The following is a visual observation with the 15cm refractor at 22x, which is mounted on the 70cm telescope.

2010 UT     m1     dia.    DC    Trans.    Seeing      Inst.      Obs.
Oct.10.65   6.7     15′   7      4/5       3/5     15cm R 22x   T.Seki

103P/Harley
27-minute exposure from 3:26, October 11, 2010 (J.S.T.)
70cm reflector with TM400 film
Copyright (C) 2010 Geisei Observatory

The above photograph is a long exposure by the 70cm telescope. It proves the tracking accuracy of the comet's motion by this telescope. It was completely automatic without any manual control involved.