Associated Press
Comet Hale-Bopp will be visible until April 27.

Capturing Hale-Bopp
on film a snap

Here's how to easily capture the spectacle of Comet Hale-Bopp on film, according to astrophotography specialist Steve Graumann, Kodak Information Center representative.

Hale-Bopp -- 25 miles in diameter -- is within 85 million miles of the earth and rivals the brilliance of Halley's Comet.

Here are the tips: Use a standard, single lens reflex camera (SLR) equipped with a 50 mm lens; employ a steady tripod and locking cable release; shoot pictures on 400-speed color or black-and-white film; set the shutter speed dial at "B" (for bulb); begin with an initial exposure time of five seconds, then make exposures at ten-second intervals up to one minute. (The maximum exposure is dependent on sky conditions.)

The location of the shoot is another important consideration. Ideally, the shoot should not have a light source, face away from major metropolitan areas and have little risk of sudden light exposure -- like headlights of a passing vehicle.

Photographers also should allow 20 to 30 minutes for their eyes to adjust to the darkness before attempting any viewing or photography. Be prepared to spend several hours taking pictures.

Hale-Bopp will be visible until April 27, with peak viewing when the moon is not in the sky. Check the Star-Bulletin, or Bishop Museum for optimum viewing locations and the most up-to-date weather and cloud cover information.

For more information on how to take photos of Hale-Bopp or any other celestial event, contact the Kodak Information Center at 1-800-242-2424.

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Tim Ryan, Star-Bulletin