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Credit & Copyright: J. A. DeYoung (USNO)
Explanation:
Comets
become fountains of gas and dust as they get near the Sun.
Solar heat vaporizes the outer layers of these spectacular orbiting
icebergs,
exposing caverns of pressurized gas that erupt into jets.
The above digitally enhanced image of Comet Hale-Bopp
was taken on January 29th and highlights several of
these dust jets.
Here, background stars appear as faint raised streaks.
Comet Hale-Bopp is currently brighter
than most stars, and is visible in the morning sky.
Comet Hale-Bopp
will continue to brighten and develop an extended tail
until April.
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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 Hale-Bopp
Publications with words: Comet Hale-Bopp
See also: