But then, at some point in the distant past, Hale-Bopp was knocked out of the Oort Cloud and began its approach toward the sun. Now, it takes roughly 2,400 years to complete its orbit around our star.

But then, at some point in the distant past, Hale-Bopp was knocked out of the Oort Cloud and began its approach toward the sun. Now, it takes roughly 2,400 years to complete its orbit around our star.

CLOUDCROFT, NEW MEXICO. July 23, 2005 marks the ten-year anniversary of the discovery of Comet Hale-Bopp, and co-discoverer Dr. Alan Hale is announcing plans for an event to celebrate the occasion.

Hale-Bopp didn't come as close as Hyakutake, but it was a very large comet and formed two distinct tails, one of gas and one made of dust as it swung closest to the sun in late March 1997.

Alan Hale is credited with helping discover what is now known as the “Hale-Bopp” comet. Hale first spotted the comet that would come to bear his name from his home in Cloudcroft, New Mexico ...

If you’re in your mid-20s or older and remember seeing a comet, it’s a good bet it was Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997. Hale-Bopp spoiled us, because it was one of ...

Hale-Bopp, roughly three to four times bigger than Halley's comet, is one of the largest comets ever cataloged, with a tail estimated at 10-million to 20-million miles in length.