Astronomy Picture of the Day · February 20, 1997

Comet Hale-Bopp and the Dumbbell Nebula

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for February 20, 1997 is “Comet Hale-Bopp and the Dumbbell Nebula,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Comet Hale-Bopp and the Dumbbell Nebula Credit and Copyright: Y. Bourassa & D. Beauchamp (Alphonse-Tardif Observatory)). The original explanation runs about 151 words.

From the explanation

“Explanation : Comet Hale-Bopp is now slowly moving across the morning sky . During its trip to our inner Solar System , the comet passes in front of several notable objects.”

— APOD editors, February 20, 1997

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: February 20, 1997
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Comet Hale-Bopp and the Dumbbell Nebula Credit and Copyright: Y. Bourassa & D. Beauchamp (Alphonse-Tardif Observatory)
Copyright: Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 151 words

All of February 1997 → · 1997 by month → · Full archive since 1995 →

Topics in this entry

Andromeda Galaxy Nebulae Comets

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: February 20 in other years

On Amazon

Popular picks for space fans

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Electronics Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB Read astronomy and space-history books anywhere. View on Amazon → Electronics Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones Noise-cancelling headphones for documentaries and launch livestreams. View on Amazon →

Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, February 20, 1997 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-1997-february-20-comet-hale-bopp-and-the-dumbbell-nebula

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.