This is your Astronomy Tonight podcast.

On this day, June 27th, in the year 1997, we witnessed an extraordinary celestial spectacle that had astronomers and space enthusiasts alike buzzing with excitement. The comet Hale-Bopp, one of the brightest and most widely observed comets of the 20th century, made its closest approach to Earth.

Discovered on July 23, 1995, by Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp, this magnificent cosmic snowball captivated the world for a record-breaking 18 months. Its exceptional brightness allowed it to be visible to the naked eye for an unprecedented period, even from light-polluted cities.

On June 27, 1997, Hale-Bopp reached its perihelion, the point in its orbit closest to the Sun. At this time, it was a mere 85 million miles from our star, less than the distance between the Sun and Earth. The comet's proximity to the Sun caused its icy nucleus to heat up, releasing an impressive tail of gas and dust that stretched for millions of miles across the sky.

Astronomers around the globe trained their telescopes on this celestial visitor, gathering invaluable data about its composition and behavior. The comet's nucleus was estimated to be an enormous 60 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest comets ever observed.

Hale-Bopp's visit was not just a treat for scientists, but also for the general public. Its bright, bluish-white coma and golden dust tail were easily visible in the night sky, inspiring countless stargazing parties and reigniting public interest in astronomy.

The comet's long-period orbit means it won't return to the inner solar system for approximately 2,525 years. So, those who witnessed it in 1997 were truly part of a once-in-a-lifetime event.

As we remember this incredible celestial event, we're reminded of the awe-inspiring nature of our universe and the endless wonders it holds for those who look up at the night sky.

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