Great Comets

Spectacular and mysterious objects that come and go in the night sky, comets have dwelt in our popular culture for untold ages. As remnants from the formation of the solar system, they are objects of key scientific research and space missions. As one of natures most potent and dramatic dangers, they pose a threat to our safety - and yet they were perhaps the origin of our oceans and even life itself. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of the biggest and most awe-inspiring of all comets: those that have earned the title 'Great', and reveals to us their secrets. It provides: ( An inspiring all-color account of the two most spectacular comets in the last few years, Hyakutake in 1996 and Hale-Bopp in 1997 ( A complete survey and explanation of up-coming space missions to comets ( An annotated resource guide, using both print and Internet for keeping up to date with comet discoveries in the future