From: lindgren@meol.mass.edu (Charles F. Lindgren)
Subject: The Big Bopper
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 1997 05:43:38 -0500
Time Magazine has given Hale-Bopp a name we all (well many of us) can relate to, and I think it's great! I saw Hale-Bopp twice in one day - 4:30 AM, 7:30 PM!!! I reluctantly went to teach my adult ed. computer course last night thinking that I would miss seeing Hale-Bopp. I went to my daytime classroom which has a great view of the western sky and couldn't see it. I was using Abrams guide off the net http:www.pa.msu.edu/abrams/hbeve4045_2.html which gives the best viewing times for 40 - 45 degrees latitude, and it said to look 11 degrees above the horizon. Nothing!!! That puppy had to be at least two fists up! Unfortunately light pollution reduced the comet to nothing more than a smudge. The morning is still best. As much as I hate getting up at 4:30, the view is spectacular. I put my 300mm on the camera this morning, and the comet filled the view screen. Don't miss this great opportunity to see the Comet of the Century.