Comet Hale-Bopp Inbound
Credit & Copyright:
H. Weaver (ARC),
NASA
Explanation:
Headed toward the inner Solar System,
the much anticipated Comet Hale-Bopp has
promised to
put on a big show next spring.
The comet's apparent brightness is
currently approaching 4th magnitude and
its inbound journey has been closely followed by many observers.
But because it is now so near the Sun's position in the sky it is a difficult
target for large ground based optical telescopes
as well as the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope (HST).
This series of HST images
hints at the comet's evolution during the last year,
illustrating active and quiescent phases.
Hidden from direct view by the dusty cometary coma,
Hale-Bopp's
nucleus is centered in each frame.
A single telescopic image of the comet has recently caused
substantial activity on the internet based on false claims of
the existence of a mysterious companion.
However, the mystery guest turned out
to be an 8th magnitude star!
Many
predict that by next spring telescopes large or small will not
be needed to appreciate
the true spectacle
of Hale-Bopp as it blossoms into a
naked-eye astronomical
wonder.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
