Bring On Halley's Comet

Some of the nation's top astrophysicists, including two Harvard affiliates, gathered yesterday at the Museum of Science's Hayden Planetarium for a press conference on the return of Halley's Comet.

"I want to see the Comet's nucleus. I've been talking about it for 35 years, and I don't know what it looks like," said Fred L. Whipple, Phillips Professor of Astronomy, Emeritus, of the comet which returns to earthly view every 76 years.

The comet will be most visible in the Boston area between December and January.

Whipple, Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory where many Harvard professors do research, was one of six experts who delivered short addresses on topics like "comet folklore and mythology" and "comet history."

But the main focus of the conference, which was partially sponsored by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, was on the best ways for lay people to see the comet as it makes its only appearance until the year 2061.