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Credit & Copyright: A. Dimai (Col Druscie Obs.),
AAC
Explanation:
Comet Hale-Bopp
is now much brighter than any surrounding stars. It can be seen
even over bright city lights. Out away from city lights, however,
it is putting on quite a spectacular show.
Here Comet
Hale-Bopp was photographed last week
above Val Parola Pass in the Dolomite mountains surrounding Cortina d'Ampezzo,
Italy. Comet Hale-Bopp's
blue ion tale is created when fast
moving particles from the solar wind strike recently expelled
ions from the comet's nucleus. The white dust tail is composed
of larger particles of dust and
ice expelled by the nucleus that orbit behind the comet. Recent
observations show that Comet Hale-Bopp's nucleus spins
about once every 12 hours. Comet Hale-Bopp
is now visible in both the early morning
and early evening sky, and will continue to
brighten this week.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Comet Hale-Bopp
Publications with words: Comet Hale-Bopp
See also: