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Credit & Copyright: William R. Dellinges
Explanation:
Four years ago,
Comet Hale-Bopp
was discovered out near
Jupiter falling toward the inner Solar System.
Two years ago, it provided
spectacular pictures as it neared its closest approach to the
Sun.
Still today,
spectacular pictures of the
brightest comet of the 1990s are surfacing.
Above, Comet Hale-Bopp was photographed in 1997 behind the
Superstition Mountains in
Arizona.
Clearly visible are the comets white dust
tail
that shines by reflected sunlight, and the blue
ion tail
that shines by glowing gas.
Currently, there are
several comets visible from the proper location with a
small telescope.
A comet visible to the unaided eye appears
about once every five 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
Publications with keywords: Comet Hale-Bopp - mountains
Publications with words: Comet Hale-Bopp - mountains
See also: