February 9, 1997 - Goleta, CA. 5:10 am. I discover Comet Hale-Bopp. I remember that morning and the mornings and evenings that followed as Comet Hale-Bopp became a frequent visitor in the weeks that followed.

On Good Friday, 1997 I lost an old friend, Schatze. At 17 years of age, she had led a great life for a Cat and I like to think she too enjoyed her last evenings under the stars remembering the places we had been together since she had joined me as a three week old kitten. Together we watched this mysterious visitor cross the sky.

I like to think Schatze and her bud, The Schwartz, know where the comets go.

Feb. 17, 1995 Comet Hale-Bopp, my first view.

Feb. 18, 1997 Hale-Bopp over Santa Barbara, CA.

Hale-Bopp and the Earthquake

On the morning of Feb. 21,1997 at 5:21 am we have a small 3.6 quake. It came in minute six of an eight minute exposure. Note the diamond shape distortion due to plate movement during the quake.

Hale-Bopp in Color

February, 1997.

March, 1997

Comets, Constellations, and the Moon

April, 1997 Hale Bopp approaching Taurus

March, 1997 Hale-Bopp passing under Perseus

April, 1997 Full Moon in Taurus The Pleiades in the center

May, 1997 Quarter Moon - The Comet's tail leads the way.

May, 1997, the last view.

More about Schatze and The Schwartz.

Technical Data: All images hand tracked, exposures varied from 1/8 sec. to eight minutes. Film: Tri-x, Fujicolor 1600, Fujichrome 1600, and Kodacolor 1000.

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