More Jets from Comet Hale-Bopp . ... Credit Copyright: J. A. DeYoung ( USNO ) Explanation: Comets become fountains of gas and dust as they get near the Sun . ... The above digitally enhanced image of Comet Hale-Bopp was taken on January 29 th 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 . ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...