starman wrote:

Both comets were great performers, but as far as a bright spectacle is concerned, Comet West in March of 1976 is still the best one I have ever seen. Celar skies to you.


How about 'Bennett' in 1970?

It was again a good performer, but not quite as good as Comet West (1976 VI).
Bennett hit around 1st magnitude at its best, and sported a tail between 10
and 20 degrees in length. West was around magnitude -3 at its brightest and
was visible to a few observers in broad daylight. Its tail got as long a 30
degrees and that tail was brighter than even that of Comet Hale-Bopp,
possessing multiple components and a fine almost feather-like structure. I
watched West well into twilight and at least part of the tail remained visible
until around 20 minutes before sunrise. The nuclear condensation in
particular was interesting in that it was a bright yellow color in binoculars
(due to sodium emission according to one of my professors). Comet West still
stands out as the most impressive comet I have ever seen (followed by
Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake in a tie for second place). Clear skies to you.
--
David W. Knisely
Prairie Astronomy Club: http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
Hyde Memorial Observatory: http://www.hydeobservatory.info/

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