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Credit: J. Orman
Explanation:
In 1997, the bright
comet Hale-Bopp may have become the most viewed
comet in history -- visible even to casual skywatchers in
light polluted
cities around
the globe.
In this picture, taken by photographer
Joe Orman on the evening of May 8, 1997,
Hale-Bopp easily competes with near twilight skies and a shining,
over-exposed, crescent moon above Mobile, Arizona, USA.
Where is Hale-Bopp now?
Still visible
to telescopic observers in the Southern Hemisphere,
the comet is
outbound,
presently about 537 million miles from the Sun.
(Jupiter orbits at about 480 million miles.)
The long lead time provided by the early
discovery of Hale-Bopp has allowed
extensive observing campaigns
producing a
bonanza of information about this
primordial chunk of our Solar System.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: comet - Comet Hale-Bopp
Publications with words: comet - Comet Hale-Bopp
See also: