On the cover: Comet Hale-Bopp's approach has been under intense scrutiny since its discovery in July 1995. The comet will pass closest to Earth on March 22, 1997.

The Comet Cometh
As we go to press, Comet Hale-Bopp has been a part of the astronomical community's collective consciousness for exactly 18 months, a long time for a new comet that has yet to streak past Earth, hairpin around the Sun, and recede into the nether regions of the deep space. In the weeks ahead, the comet will fill newspaper headlines and nightly news teasers, but the big question will remain unanswered: Is Comet Hale-Bopp the comet of the century? That's for each of you to decide after you see it from your backyard or another suitably dark site. Astronomers have been watching Hale-Bopp for a while now and are justifiably excited. Rarely does such a large, active comet visited the inner solar system. Be sure to see it.

Captain Cook and Mister Green
Meanwhile, in the spirit of C.S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian, frequent StarDate contributor Barbara Ryden takes us to the high seas aboard the Endeavour to tell the story of renowned explorer James Cook's first voyage and its astronomical importance.

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