Comet Hale-Bopp Update

COMET HALE-BOPP WEAKENED BY MOON

Sky & Telescope News Bulletin
April 18, 1997

The glory of Comet Hale-Bopp suffers slightly due to a sky significantly brightened by the Moon, which will be full on the night of April 22nd. Reports indicate that the comet is still near magnitude -0.5 with a dust tail visible to the unaided eye and an ion tail visible in binoculars. Even in strong moonlight, the comet will be unmistakable. Look at least 1-1/2 hours after sunset, after the end of twilight. Comet Hale-Bopp should be obvious about 20 to 30 deg. above the northwestern horizon -- depending on your latitude.

APRIL 20 -- SUNDAY

Comet Hale-Bopp is still in view this week, though it's fading as it moves farther away from both the Earth and Sun. On the other hand, moonlight in the sky ceases to interfere with the view starting on Thursday evening, April 24th. Look for the comet very low in the west-northwest at the end of twilight.

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