Comet Hale–Bopp is a comet that was one of the most widely observed of the 20th century and one of the brightest seen for many decades.
Comet Hale–Bopp, shortly after passing perihelion in April 1997
The comet became a spectacular sight in early 1997.
Comet Hale–Bopp in 2001, at a distance of nearly two billion kilometres from the Sun. Credit: ESO
Alan Hale is an American professional astronomer, who co-discovered Comet Hale–Bopp along with amateur astronomer Thomas Bopp.
Hale in 2005
Comet Hale–Bopp
Comet Hale–Bopp taken from Davis, West Virginia, US on March 11, 1997