Today in History: 1995 -- Comet Hale-Bopp is Discovered

On this day, July 23, in 1995, astronomers Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp discovered Comet Hale-Bopp. The comet became visible to the naked eye one year after its discovery, increasing in brightness through late 1996 and into 1997. It is arguably the most widely observed comet of the twentieth century and one of the brightest seen in decades. It was visible to the naked eye for 18 months and came to be known as the Great Comet of 1997.

Read more about comets in Astronomy For Beginners, our graphic non-fiction title that answers many mysteries of the universe in terms that are readable and fun.