European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 21, 1985, Darmstadt, Hesse Pages the stars and stripes thursday november 21, 1985 Comet watchers you can glimpse it Over Europe bases by Mary Hladky staff writer gel ready Comet gazers in Europe Hallcy s Comet is showing in the skies near your military Community. Los last appearance in 1910 spawned panic that the world was coming to an end. Los next show will be in 2063. So for anyone who doubts he can catch the next event this is a Chance of a life time. This Comet pass by is expected to be much less spectacular than the one in 1910 but still fun for people interested in inc heavens. Yet experts advise the curious especially those stationed in Germany eng land and other Northern countries not to get Hope up too High. Don t run Cal too much because you re not going to get said Earl Morse Sci ence coordinator for inc department of defense dependents schools in Germany. In fact concern that students will be disappointed has prompted Morse to Cau Tion science teachers nol to build expectations Loo High. But these caveats Don t apply to those stationed in Spain and Greece who will have several excellent chances to View the Comet Between now and easter. There will be Good viewing in Turkey and Spain Morse said. They have a much belter shot than we in Germany this is because these countries lie far ther South. So they arc closer to the South Ern hemisphere which has the Overall Best Vantage Point for Comet viewing Dur ing March and april. Those in More Northern climes need nol despair. Their Best View of the Comet will come in Early december. But it already is visible. As it makes its inbound flight toward Earth its closest approach will be on nov. 27, when the Comet will be 58 million Miles away. With some planning and preparation anyone can see the Comet. Here Are some Steps to follow Best viewing times in Germany and England arc dec. 1-15 and Jan. 1-25. Peo ple stationed farther South can Sec the Comet during these two months and also from March 8-21 and april 2-13. Anyone visiting the Southern United states during these March and april viewing limes also will get a Good show. And for the truly obsessed a flight to the Southern hemisphere is the Best bet of All. Don t even bother looking if the Moon is full or near full. Its Light will outshine the Comet. Get away from the City. City lights and pollution also will overwhelm inc Comet. Find a Hill that has a Clear View to the South. Don t bother spending Money on a cup i slut smut user. Telescope. Most Cornel experts say binoculars will do a belter Job because they pro vide a wider viewing area. Use 7x35 or 7x50 binoculars and mount them on a Tri pod so they Don l wiggle. Pick a Clear night. If the Milky Way and a full Field of stars arc not visible Down to inc horizon pack up and go Home. Stand outside at least 15 minutes be fore trying to spot the Comet. It takes time for eyes to adjust to the night. If trying to Lake a picture mount the camera on a tripod. Use a Cable shutter release. Open the camera Lens to its widest diaphragm opening fl.4, 1.8. 2.0 or 2.8 on most 35mm cameras and set the focus on Infinity. Make 15 to 20-Sccond expo sures. Longer exposures will produce blur pictures because of the s rotation. Use age Chrome 1000 or Ecta Chrome 400 pushed to 1000. Anyone not familiar with the Hea Vens should buy a Constellation map. The Magazine sky and Telescope has a Chart that can be used by people living in Europe. In mid november the Comet can be seen amid a Star Cluster called the pleiades. In Laic november and Early a. Com bar. It can be seen in the Constellation Pisces. For those unschooled in the Way of the heavens professional help is available. Planetariums in Europe Are holding Spe Cial shows on the Comet and where to look for it. In addition astronomy Clu Brud other organizations Are sponsoring Comet. Spotting trips. The Comet will appear As a faint Funy Ball of Light to Northern watchers. Tom. Who Don t know what they Are looking for can easily miss it. No Tail will be visible in november but Northern viewers will spot a Short Tail h december. The Comet will be brightest and in tall longest in april but people living in Ger Many or England won t be Able to see it it its Best. If they Are Lucky they nay glimpse a Small bit of its Tail. For those farther South april 11 will to the Day to be on Alert. That is when the r Comet comes closest to Earth As it Miken second swing by our planet at a Mere 39million Miles away before heading Buck into space. Halley s varying brightness surprises observers Kitt Peak. Ariz. Not astronomers scrutinized the approaching Halley s Comet through the big 158-Inch Telescope Here in the last few nights and it
