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Credit & Copyright:
Alessandro Dimai
(Col Druscie Obs.),
AAC
Explanation:
It has been suggested that Comet Hale-Bopp
will become the most viewed
comet in Human history.
Presently, for denizens of the Earth's
northern hemisphere, this bright comet is certainly
a lovely and inspiring sight -- visible here crowning
the sky above Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy on March 20.
Based on orbital calculations, this comet's last passage through
the inner Solar System was approximately 4,200 years ago. Principally
because of changes caused by the gravitational influence of Jupiter,
Hale-Bopp should pass this way again in a mere 2,380 years.
Comets come from the outer reaches of the Solar System where they
reside, frozen and preserved.
Astronomers analyzing
their structure and composition
as comets swing near the Sun seek
a glimpse of the conditions during the
Solar System's formative years.
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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