An image of the comet Hale-Bopp at far ultraviolet wavelengths, obtained by the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization's Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) satellite. The image was generated and shifted to the visible by assigning Red, Green, and Blue to respective images obtained using filters at the ultraviolet wavelengths 143-176 nm, 124-138 nm and 115-133 nm. The separate color images were then enhanced and combined to obtain this false color image. The diameter of the blue region is about 14,000,000 km and represents the extent of the Hydrogen corona. Image courtesy of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL).

This image is available in digital format from APL. For more information or to obtain a digital copy of this image, please contact Peter Bythrow, JHU/APL Space Department Office, at (240) 228-5286 or (240) 228-5000, ext. 5286.

Other MSX-related press releases and images can be found on APL's Web site Press Releases or by contacting K. Marren, JHU/APL Public Affairs, at (240) 228-6268.

The Applied Physics Laboratory is a not-for-profit laboratory and independent division of The Johns Hopkins University. APL conducts research and development primarily for national security and for nondefense projects of national and global significance. Located midway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., in Laurel, Md., APL employs 2,600 permanent staff.