"Last Sight Of Comet Hale-Bopp"

During February New Moon weekend at Wiruna, a number of ASNSW members had what may be their last sighting of Comet Hale-Bopp with the Society's 17.5" Telescope, after its position had been tracked down using MegaStar and laptop. Members were intrigued to find two objects near the indicated positions which caused some debate as to which was actually the comet, and some discussion ensued.

The mystery may have been solved. Reports in the more responsible British Tabloid newspapers, together with a major feature story in the National Inquirer suggest that what members actually saw was the long-planned rendezvous of certain earthlings, who waited until Hale-Bopp was in close proximity to the LMC, to disguise the operation.

If it wasn't for the eagle eyes of our members this important event may well have escaped detection.