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Article: <5dq7lc$sf4@dfw-ixnews10.ix.netcom.com>
From: saquo@ix.netcom.com(Nancy )
Subject: Hale-Bopp THEN and NOW - 5
Date: 11 Feb 1997 16:44:28 GMT
This was what was said back THEN, and NOW ... ?
..........
Comet Observations Home Page,
Charles S. Morris /
csm@encke.jpl.nasa.gov
14 Aug 1995
The following was forwarded by Steve Edberg, JPL:
Comet Hale-Bopp and the Total Solar Eclipse of 1997
Excitement is growing around the discovery of a new comet on 1995 July 23. If comet Hale-Bopp lives up to expectations, it will be visible to the naked eye during the total solar eclipse of 1997 March 9. The path of eclipse runs through Mongolia and eastern Siberia and has a center line duration of more than two minutes. It will be low in the sky along the entire track, never climbing higher than 23 degrees.
According to IAU Circular No. 6202, the predicted magnitude of Comet Hale-Bopp will be -0.9 on 1997 March 9 and -1.4 on 1997 March 13. These magnitude estimates are based on the comet's current brightness, a pre-discovery photograph from 1993 April, and the assumption that the comet is not exhibiting any uncharacteristic outburst. If these assumptions hold true, Hale-Bopp will shine at magnitude -1.2 during the total eclipse, making it a naked eye object. At that time, Hale-Bopp will be north of Pegasus in Lacerta, some 46 degrees from the Sun. For an observer on the center line north of Ulaanbaatar, the Sun will have an altitude of 12 deg. .. Comet Hale-Bopp will be conveniently located with an altitude of 55 deg. and an azimuth of 89 deg.
It has been over a century (1882 May 17) since a comet was visible during a total solar eclipse. Thus, the eclipse holds the promise of an especially unique and rare opportunity. .. It has been pointed out that there was also an ellipse comet in 1947.