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Credit & Copyright: A. Dimai (Col Druscie Obs.),
AAC
Explanation:
In 1997, Comet Hale-Bopp
became much brighter than any surrounding stars. It could be seen
even over bright city lights. Out away from city lights, however,
it put on quite a spectacular show.
Here Comet Hale-Bopp was photographed last March
above Val Parola Pass in the Dolomite mountains surrounding Cortina d'Ampezzo,
Italy. Comet Hale-Bopp's
blue ion tail was created when fast
moving particles from the solar wind strike ions expelled
from the comet's nucleus. The white dust tail was composed
of larger particles of dust and
ice expelled by the nucleus that orbit behind the comet.
Observations have shown that Comet Hale-Bopp's nucleus spins
about once every 12 hours. Comet Hale-Bopp
is still visible to those in the right place with a good telescope.
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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: