Comet Hyakutake

a spectacular comet that came close to the Earth in early 1996. It was a total surprise for the public so the end-of-the-millenium doomsayers and New Age crackpots couldn't bombard us with their superstitious bullshit. It was visible to the unaided eye and was "something to talk about" in the office and computer lab. It sported an unusually long tail. A thrill. Mere months after the comet's appearance, Comet Hale-Bopp graced our skies.

Comet Hyakutake was discovered by the Japanese astronomer Yuji Hyakutake. The brilliance of the comet made Yuji a celebrity, particularly in Japan.

by I Saw U2 Live Twice September 21, 2008

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ride the comet

A euphemisim for suicide. While phrases such as "six feet under" and "pushing up daisies" apply to other forms of death, this is specifically for suicide. It was inspired by the Heaven's Gate cult, who committed suicide in the belief that their souls would ride a "spaceship" hidden near the Hale-Bopp comet when it passed by Earth in 1997.

Did you hear what happened to Joe?

Yeah. After he lost his job and his wife left him, he couldn't take it anymore. He decided to ride the comet.

by nitrogyro1 September 19, 2009

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Comet Hale-Bopp

a spectacular comet that graced our skies in 1996 - 1997. It lead to lots of stupid New Age speculation due to the "prophecy" and angel-encounter end-of-the-millenium bullshit that was going on in near the end of the 20th century. There were cult suicides, and superstitious predictions that did not come true. It was very prominent in the sky in early to mid 1997. Dubbed the "Comet of the Century", Hale-Bopp was a thrill to see and a once in a lifetime event, although you can't tell when the next comet "biggie" may come our way.

Comet Hale-Bopp was discovered by the American astronomers Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp.

by I Saw U2 Live Twice September 22, 2008

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