Exactly when will a comet be visible to the naked eye in 1996?

The comet Hale-Bopp will be visible with a pair of binoculars beginning in August in the constellation Serpens Cauda. It will remain visible through out the rest of 1996 as it winds its way through the constellation Ophiuchus. Then in March 1997 it is expected to brighten so that it is very prominent and nearly as bright as some of the brightest stars in the sky! It should be the most impressive comet since Comet West in 1976.

Visit the JPL Hale-Bopp Page for thousands of pictures and other information.


Copyright 1997 Dr. Sten Odenwald

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