Credit & Copyright: A. Dimai, R. Volcan, D. Ghirardo (Col Druscie Obs.,
ACC)
Explanation:
Comet Hale-Bopp continues to look impressive.
The photograph
above
captured the comet on April 7th passing nearly in front
of M34,
a star cluster in the constellation
of Perseus.
Many of the stars in this open cluster
can be seen through Comet Hale-Bopp's
white dust tail. The bright blue ion tail
now shows several streams. Now receding
from both the Sun and the Earth, Comet Hale-Bopp
should still remain an impressive
sight
for weeks to come as it slowly fades.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
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