Short: Animation of forthcoming comet Hale-Bopp Author: Marek Jablonski Uploader: n/a Type: pix/anim Architecture: generic On July 23, 1995, an unusually bright comet outside of Jupiter's orbit was discovered independently by Alan Hale, New Mexico and Thomas Bopp, Arizona. The new comet, designated C/1995 O1, is the farthest comet ever discovered by amateurs and appeared 1000 times brighter than Comet Halley did at the same distance. Normally, comets are inert when they are beyond the orbit of Jupiter, so it has been speculated that Comet Hale-Bopp is either a rather large comet or experienced a bright outburst. As the comet approaches the Sun, its brightness should increase even more. Anticipation is high that in early 1997, the new comet may be the brightest naked eye comet since Comet Hyakutake in 1996. Astronomers warn however, that it is still possible that Comet Hale-Bopp may fizzle out, and could follow the way of past disappointments such as Comet Kohoutek (1973) and Comet Austin (1990). On the other hand, Comet Hale-Bopp may put on a dazzling celestial show to Earth observers. Only time will tell. [ from the Comet Hale-Bopp Home Page ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- As you may have recognized, this animation was created using Mike Smithwick's 'Distant Suns 5.0'. The upper half of the screen shows the comet as we can see it from Earth. To give you a better idea of the comet's orbit there is a 'fixed view' at the lower part, too. Well, if you are impressed ;-) then try to contact me: FIDO: Marek Jablonski, 2:481/34.3 Internet: Marek.Jablonski@p3.f34.n481.z2.fidonet.org