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(meteorobs) Hale/Bopp Observ Mar 1 ZAYGE
Mar 1, 1997 0430 hrs PST
From my workplace in La Mesa, Ca. under clear skies that were 4.8, I was able
to see comet Hale/Bopp once again...WOW!!
What a difference a few days make. It's been about 4 or 5 days since I had a
relatively decent look and it's noticeably changed. First, I had no
difficulty at all in being able to see the tail with the naked eye. It's not
very long, but easy to see.
In regards to the comet's magnitude, I first compared it with Deneb
(+1.3)...the comet was much brighter. I then compared with Altair (0.8) and I
can see it's now brighter than it. I estimate the comet's magnitude to be
around 0.6 or 0.7. I made this estimate with my 7X50 binoculars.
Thru the 14X100's, the first thing that got my attention was how bright that
South Eastern jet appeared. It seemed broad and massive as it curved straight
back to form the bright dust tail on the south side. On the northside I can
see the relatively dimmer ion tail sweeping back not as sharply. It's more of
a broad sweep that eventually narrows. It's also pointing more towards the
North than the southern tail is. The bright southern tail also seems to be
bisecting a short, dim broad tail area not far from the nucleus. Measuring
with my binoculars 3.3 degree field, I estimate the longest tail length that
I can see is at about 3.1 degrees. I can barely see a separation of the two
tails, although that gap is quite narrow and far back from the nucleus.
Next I tried to examine the nucleus withthe 14X100's. It appears stellar to
me...that is I see no bar shape that's been reported by some others. Maybe if
I tried including that southerly jet I'd get a bar shape? But separately I
don't see it...just circular and stellar.
I went inside to write my description...Afterwards at 0515 it was still dark.
I couldn't resist the temptation to go back out for a 2nd look. I haven't had
this urge since Mar 26 with Hyakutake. I guess you can say it's now at the
"AWE" stage.
George Zay
La Mesa, Ca
32 North
116 West