h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Not the article!

More the appearance in 1986. I remember it well, my brother and I had anticipated this for years before and it was only because we'd taught ourselves the star constellations that were able to view the comet as something barely brighter than Andromeda through a pair of binoculars.

And I shall not live to see the upcoming decent appearances sadly.

Of course Hale-Bopp in 1997 was the herald of Doom that really put a show on for all to see. So it's not like we've not had a chance since to see a comet spectacular.

thanks Orcus!

I agree, Hale-Bopp was although I'm that was almost 13 years ago

Comet Holmes was unexpectedly brilliant for a while too, http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap071110.html

I'm learning not to predict what will or won't be a great show

I remember climbing out my younger then-stepsister's window with my older then-stepsister (the younger decided to stay in bed) at 3am, after calculating what time and height would be best for a good view, just to find a lit-up bank sign in the way

Ah yes, the hazards of stargazing.

My brother is still well into it and has neighbours with those fairy lights in the garden that stay lit all night after storing up solar charge all day.
Niiice.

That'd be grounds to move, for me
I'm very lucky that my back garden *now* is very, very dark, no lights at all unless the neighbours are in their bathroom. Then I don't point my binos in that direction, just in case...

I don't know why he doesn't to be honest. He could well afford to.
I guess he likes it otherwise