For viewers in the Northern Hemisphere, Hale-Bopp will be visible in the predawn sky through the middle of April.
By June, it will be visible only to viewers in the Southern Hemisphere.
To see it, go out about half and hour before dawn, look to the east, turn a bit to the left (that's east-northeast), and the comet will be plainly visible.
While the comet is visible to the naked eye, though a pair of binoculars will give you a much better view -- there is really no need to buy a telescope.
For a good look at the comet's tail, find darker skies away from cities .
Beginning in late March and extending through mid-April, the comet will also be observable in the northwest sky after sunset.
The best dates for observing the comet should be March 26 through April 12.
The comet will pass closest to the sun on April 1.
By late April, the full moon will interfere with observations. By that time, the general public won't be able to see it at all. Experienced observers may be able to follow it.
