KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to see the comet Hyakutake is offered by the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
The public can view the comet beginning at 9 p.m., March 25, on the roof of the Physics Building. Paul Lewis of the physics department said UT telescopes and binoculars will be available.
“This is known as a ‘long period’ comet. If you miss it this time, you won’t ever get a chance to see it again, because it won’t be back for 10,000 years,” Lewis said.
Lewis said the comet can be seen by the naked eye. If you can find the Big Dipper, you can spot Hyakutake, he said, by following these directions:
* Follow the curve of the Big Dipper’s “handle” to the nearest bright star, Arcturus.
* Imagine a line heading north and south from Arcturus to the next bright star, Spica.
* Comet Hyakutake can be seen traveling south to north under the imaginary line connecting the two stars.
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Contact: Paul Lewis (423-974-7815)