... Hale-Bopp and Andromeda . ... Which is closer: the comet or the galaxy? ... In its trek through the inner Solar System, Comet Hale-Bopp has passed nearly in front of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), seen on the lower left. ... 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. ... A comet as bright as Comet Hale-Bopp is very rare indeed. ... The Weather on Mars...