• 26 April: Several people report seeing Comet Hale-Bopp from Adelaide on April 25th. In binoculars the comet was clearly visible as a "fuzzy blob with a bright nucleus". At least two observers reported seeing a faint tail through binoculars. Unfortunately, the comet is extremely difficult to see with the naked eye at present due to its proximity to the horizon (5 degrees) and low contrast between it and the background sky. Viewing conditions should improve over the next few days -- we'll keep you posted on any developments. In the meantime, binoculars and a clear NW sky are definitely required to view Comet Hale-Bopp from our latitude (35S).

• 25 April: Queensland amateur astronomer Terry Lovejoy has observed Comet Hale-Bopp and describes it as "fairly easily visible with naked eye, although hardly conspicuous". Comments from non-astronomers have refered to the comet as a "fizzer"! This is not surprising given the comet's very low elevation at present. It is important to note that the comet's elevation above the horizon will increase over the next 2 weeks making it somewhat better placed for observation. In the meantime, be sure to have a pair of binoculars handy -- you will probably need them.

• 22 April: Comet Hale-Bopp has been seen from Brisbane by experienced observer Terry Lovejoy who reported "Comet fairly easy visible with naked eye -- like a mag. 4 comet high up in a dark sky -- and followed to within 2 degrees of horizon despite twilight and moonlight. The tail could be glimpsed with naked eye."

• 17 April: Recent observations of Comet Hale-Bopp indicate that, as expected, it's starting to dim. Nevertheless, the comet remains a "lovely object" in the evening sky with a well developed dust tail (10 to 20 degrees). Adelaide observers should get their first good look by the end of April. We'll keep you posted...

• 16 April: ASSA member David Miller has reported seeing Comet Hale-Bopp -- possibly the first post-perihelion observation of this comet from Australia. David observed the comet from northern Australia (Halls Creek, W.A.) against a very bright evening sky on Saturday 12 April 1997. David believes he may have seen the comet on the previous night as well. The comet was very difficult to see and appeared as a "nucleus surrounded by coma". There was no sign of the tail under these conditions.

When & Where to Look
Comet Hale-Bopp reached peak brightness in early April 1997 putting on an excellent display for inhabitants of the northern hemisphere. Observers in Australia and other southern hemisphere countries will have an opportunity to see Comet Hale-Bopp in the coming weeks as it moves south after its passage near the Sun.

Towards the end of April and through to early June, Comet Hale-Bopp will be located very low in the northwest and west-northwest evening sky for southern hemisphere observers (see the animation below). This will be the best opportunity for people living in southern latitudes to observe this comet as it starts to move away from the inner Solar System not to return for at least another 2,000 years.

Unfortunately, Comet Hale-Bopp will not be favourably placed for observing from a latitude of 35 degrees south, being a mere 5 to 10 degrees above the horizon as the sky begins to darken. The low elevation of the comet and its apparent proximity to the Sun will make seeing the celestial visitor quite difficult. Furthermore, the comet will set by 7pm so you will need to observe in the early evening.

The visual appearance of comets has always been difficult to predict. Indeed, there's no guarantee that Comet Hale-Bopp will even be visible to the naked eye by late April 1997. As a result, the display expected from Comet Hale-Bopp will not be as good as it was around the time of the comet's closest approach to the Sun (1 April 1997) when northern hemisphere observers were treated to a spectacular display -- you have been warned so don't expect too much!

Nevertheless, on the evening of 9 May 1997 Comet Hale-Bopp should be relatively easy to find. On that night the comet will be located 3.5 degrees (about 7 Moon diameters) directly beneath the thin crescent of the New Moon (actually 2.5 days old). The accompanying graphic depicts the scene that will be visible that Friday evening. Locate the Moon low in the northwest sky and then look down to see the comet -- use a pair of binoculars if you can.

Observing Tips
There are a number of things sky-gazers can do to enhance their view of Comet Hale-Bopp:

Comet Photography
Mark Shepherd, the Society's Astrophotography Co-ordinator, has written "How to Photograph a Comet" -- an easy to follow on-line guide for people wishing to photograph Comet Hale-Bopp or any other bright comet.

Finally, good luck and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies.

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