About Comet Hale-BoppComet Hale-Bopp will make its closest approach to the Earth on March 22, when it will be 122 million miles away. It will make its closest pass to the sun on April 1, when it will peak in brightness. It will get as close as 85 million miles to the sun.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the best time to view the comet will be shortly before dawn and shortly after sunset from late March to mid-April. From March 26 through April 8, the sky will be free of moonlight after dusk, making it easier to see the comet at the time when it will be at its brightest. It will set about an hour after sunset, making it visible for a short time each night.
The comet should be viewed from areas far away from city lights. People should look to the west-northwest, near the horizon, about 45 minutes after sunset for their best view of Hale-Bopp.
Learn more about Comet Hale-Bopp!
- Press Release: Comet Experts at Johns Hopkins to Study Hale-Bopp
- Press Release: New Information about Hale-Bopp Surprises Astronomers
- March 10th Gazette Article: Hal Weaver Eyes Prize in the Skies
- JHU Department of Physics and Astronomy
- Homepage of Hal Weaver, Research Scientist, JHU Department of Physics and Astronomy
- Homepage of Paul Feldman, Professor and Chair, JHU Department of Physics and Astronomy
- The Maryland Space Grant Observatory