What is Special About Comet Hale-Bopp?
Hale-Bopp is unusual because of its brightness and its location at the time of its discovery. No comet has ever been discovered so far out in the solar system by amateur astronomers. Hale-Bopp appeared 1,000 times brighter at its discovery beyond Jupiter’s orbit than Comet Halley (Hale-Bopp’s most famous cousin) did when it was at that same distance from the Earth. Most astronomers say we should not be surprised if Hale-Bopp becomes the brightest comet on record. How Can I See Hale-Bopp? Hale-Bopp is already visible to the naked eye and will become spectacular by the end of March. Hale-Bopp’s closest approach to Earth will occur on March 22, 1997 at which point it will be 120 million miles away. During the period between March 28 and April 12, it is expected to be near peak brightness (0 to 0.5 magnitude). The comet will be visible in the northwest shortly after sunset. By this time, the comet will be displaying a noticeable tail. A comet’s tail can stretch to millions of miles in leng
