The Great Comet of 1996

This photo was taken on March 21st 1996 using a 50mm lens, 3 minute exposure and 400 ASA film. Arcturus is the bright star to the left. Comet Hyakutake peaked at magnitude 0 and was better placed for northern hemisphere observers. It was one of the most impressive comets of the 20th century primarily due to its close approach to Earth of only 15 million kms (0.1AU) on March 25th 1996. This comet will return in 15,829 yrs.