Sky Publishing Co., The Associated Press What to watch Comets such as the Hale-Bopp circle the sun in lopsided orbits that carry them through the inner solar system every few millennia.
Astronomers expect the comet to be as bright as the brightest stars when it passes Earth.
When and where to watch If the sky is clear enough that even a few stars are visible, Comet Hale-Bopp should be visible. Also, the comet is up before the first light of dawn through much of the viewing period. The comet has a starlike head, and is white or yellow-white in color. It's about as bright as the brightest stars, with a hazy head and a dimmer, filmy tail extending to the upper left. The comet is fairly high in the predawn sky.