20 years since Hale-Bopp

[Weather-history]

Its 20 years since this magnificent comet graced our skies. It was discovered by Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp in July 1995 and there were indications then that this comet could be special as it was so bright, so far out. Remembering reading astronomical articles at the time on the possibilities of a brilliant comet in early 1997. There was cautious optimism as comets can be fickle, some members might remember the hype over Kohoutek in the early 1970s which failed to live up to expectations. Comet Halley return in 1986 was a huge disappointment because it was a very unfavourable return for Earth viewers.

Then out of nowhere, came Comet Hyakutake during early 1996, there hasn't been a decent comet for the northern hemisphere for two decades then we get two within a year! What a bonus that was.

Hale-Bopp was visible to the naked eye in May 1996 and steadily brightened as the year progressed. During the spring of 1997, it was magnificent and for once in the UK we were blessed with decent weather and plenty of clear skies. It reached its peak over the Easter weekend of 1997 and I saw it on all four nights of that holiday weekend. Seeing it hanging in the sky reminded me of those 19th  century illustrations of the great comets that were observed back then. Sadly we lost the comet to the southern hemisphere during May but for once we witnessed the best of it.

What made this comet even more special is that it was so far above the Sun/Earth plane and it never got that close to the Sun. Often the really brilliant comets are sun grazers and to see them at their most brilliant there is a small window of opportunity around sunrise and sunset. With Hale-Bopp it hung in a dark sky and from the UK, it never even set at its peak. The comet was visible even in light polluted skies. It was a real standout. 

When will we see the next great comet? Well Hyakutake shows that they can come up very quickly on us.

 

 

[drgl]

Now I feel old!! Remember travelling up to the Long Mynd here in shropshire and got a great view

[Mokidugway]

Could be  hale ceasar which would make you feel considerably older 

[frogesque]

Remember both these comets, pre internet and pre digi photography. Some great pics have been uploaded to the web since. Quick Google should pick some up.

[Weather-history]

25 years on now

Guardian of 14th August 1995

31st March 1997