WHEN, WHERE AND HOW TO SEE THE COMET

It’s that time again. Time for that famous ball of fire to flash across the horizon. Halley’s Comet is visible to earthlings only every 76 years, so most of us won’t have another chance to see it. The appearance of the comet is not only good for tele-scope sales, radio promotions and Carl Sagan’s income, but it’s good for the soul. So what if you flunked physics in high school? Halley’s is a dramatic exhibition of the cosmos in action.

Astronomers tell us that the comet will be visible for more than a month-the prime viewing times coming between March 7 and April 12. But don’t plan any yard parties to watch it if you live in Dallas. The city lights will make it very hard, if not mpossible, to see the comet.

Halley’s Comet will rise out of a southern and eastern sky, so for the best viewing, officials with the Dallas Planetarium advise us to head southeast at least 90 miles from Dallas. (For $25 per person, those interested in viewing the cornel can sign up for an all-night bus trip sponsored by The Science Place to a private ranch high on a hilltop near Glen Rose. Call 428-8351 for information.) Since a bright moon is expected during the peak viewing period, the best time to see the comet will be between March 7-22 and April 3-12, says Bow Walker, associate director of astronomy for The Science Place.

Walker says the best place to view Halley’s in Texas is in the Big Bend area of West Texas, because of the dark sky and dry, clear air. For the best seats on the planet, Walker advises a trip to the Australian outback-a place in the desert called Ayers Rock, to be precise. There, the comet can be seen actually moving across the sky directly overhead. (In Texas we’ll only gel a view low in the southern horizon.) As a second-best choice. Walker recommends Chile or Argentina.

Before you rush out to buy an expensive telescope, note: Walker says the good old naked eye is the best tool for viewing Halley’s Cornel, because a telescope doesn’t permit a person to see the comet’s entire tail.