Comet Hyakutake 30 Years Ago
Taken by Alan Dyer on March 25, 1996 @
near Gleichen, Alberta, Canada
Click photo for larger image
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Camera Used: Unavailable Unavailable
Exposure Time: Unavailable
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Date Taken: 2026:03:25 19:14:30
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Details:
30 years ago tonight as I post this!
This is the Great Comet Hyakutake (Comet C/1996 B2) — Taken on March 25, 1996, on the night of the comet's closest approach to Earth with the tail at its greatest length and with a disconnection event in the tail, and (!) with the galaxy Messier 101 in the tail.
The comet was discovered on January 31, 1996 by Yuji Hyakutake using 25x100 binoculars.
The field of view is 20º by 13º.
The pair of bright stars at top are Mizar and Alcor and the bright star in the tail is Alkaid, all in the handle of the Big Dipper.
Technical:
With the Nikkor 105mm lens wide open at f/2.5, on March 25, 1996, on Fuji Super G 800 film in a Nikon F2, and roughtly a 5 minute exposure. Tracked at the sidereal rate, not on comet.
Reprocessed on March 25, 2026 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the night and the image.
Photographer's website:
https://amazingsky.com
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