Comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp) was discovered on July 23, 1995 by two astronomers, Alan Hale and Thoamas Bopp. The comet has an approximate diameter of 10-25 miles (large for a comet) and it's tail streched for tens of millions of miles into space. Comet Hale-Bopp made it's closest approach to Earth on the evening of March 22, 1997 and was most likely the brightest comet seen so far this century! So bright was this comet that it was plainly visible with the naked-eye in urban areas for over a month. It last passed through our solar system around 2214 BC and will return again around the year 4377 AD.
I feel fortunate to have been able to experience the appirition of two bright comet in one years time, Hyakutake in 1996 with it's glorious ion tail and the magnificent Hale-Bopp in 1997. I did a lot of visual observing of both comets and participated in events and observing sessions by which many thousands of New Yorkers were able to enjoy the brief yet awe inspiring passing of these two celestial visitors.
Below are my first attempts at color comet astrophotography, hope you enjoy them! You can download them to your system as a keepsake of your Hale-Bopp comet experience if you so desire.
Photograph taken on 04/04/97. Larger Image (54K).
Photograph taken on 04/04/97. Larger Image (73K).
Photograph taken on 03/22/97. Larger Image (74K).
Photograph taken on 03/26/97. Larger Image (72K).
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