OTD in Space – March 22: Comet Hale-Bopp Flies by Earth

On March 22, 1997, a super bright comet by the name of Hale-Bopp made its closest approach to Earth. [‘On This Day in Space’ Video Series on Space.com]

It was bright enough for people to see without telescopes or binoculars for over 18 months. Comet Hale-Bopp still holds the record for being visible to the naked eye for longer than any other comet, and it was probably the most-viewed comet in history. It passed by Earth at a safe distance of about 120 million miles before continuing its orbit around the sun. As it got closer to the sun, its two blue and white tails grew bigger and brighter. By the time it made it to the sun on April 1, it was shining brighter than every star in the sky except for Sirius.