Photo by Bishop Museum, Special to the Star-Bulletin
Graphic by Bryant Fukutomi, Star-Bulletin

The best time to see the comet is from 5:45 to 6:15 a.m. when it about one "shaka sign" above the eastern horizon, said planetarium manager Peter Michaud.

Hale-Bopp will be visible through the next several weeks and could be one of the most easily viewed comets of the century when it reaches its brightest in late March or early April, Michaud said.

By then, it will be visible about 7:30 p.m.

Although visible from urban areas, the comet and its distinctive tail can best be viewed from an area that has a clear view toward the direction of the sunrise and is away from the city lights, he said.

The planetarium will present a daily program on Hale-Bopp beginning March 3.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. on other days.

For information, call 847-3511.