COMET HALE-BOPP is visible shortly after sunset, but is a challenging
object to see. Look very low in the west-northwest just after it gets dark
(astronomical coordinates: RA: 18h 17m, Dec: +1.1). It is well to the right
of Jupiter, and about two-thirds of the way between the bright star Altair
and the horizon. Binoculars provide a much better chance of seeing it. It
will appear as a fuzzy white patch surrounding a somewhat brighter center,
and with binoculars you may see a tail. We will get a much better view of
Hale-Bopp in 1997. It should be easily visible to the naked eye at its peak
brightness in March.
Comet Hale-Bopp Home Page