This Cache:
History:
Comet Hale–Bopp (formally designated C/1995 O1) was perhaps the most widely observed comet of the 20th century and one of the brightest seen for many decades. It was visible to the naked eye for a record 18 months, twice as long as the previous record holder.
Hale–Bopp was discovered on July 23, 1995, at a great distance from the Sun, raising expectations that the comet would brighten considerably by the time it passed close to Earth. Although predicting the brightness of comets with any degree of accuracy is very difficult, Hale–Bopp met or exceeded most predictions when it passed perihelion on April 1, 1997. The comet was dubbed the Great Comet of 1997.
Its lengthy period of visibility and extensive coverage in the media meant that Hale–Bopp was probably the most-observed comet in history, making a far greater impact on the general public than the return of Halley's Comet in 1986, and certainly seen by a greater number of people than witnessed any of Halley's previous appearances.
UFOs:
In November 1996 amateur astronomer Chuck Shramek of Houston, Texas took a CCD image of the comet, which showed a fuzzy, slightly elongated object nearby. When his computer sky-viewing program did not identify the star, Shramek called the Art Bell radio program Coast to Coast AM to announce that he had discovered a "Saturn-like object" following Hale–Bopp. UFO enthusiasts, such as remote viewing proponent Courtney Brown, soon concluded that there was an alien spacecraft following the comet.
Geocaching:
Well, maybe there were aliens and maybe there weren't. But somewhere out there, you'll have to find Hale-Bopp and determine for yourself. We have just a few words of warning for you.
This cache is hidden on State Game Lands. Please be sure to wear Bright Orange during the months of September to January, April, and May. These are active hunting months Monday through Saturday. Sunday is still a No Hunting day in Pennsylvania as of the date of publish.
This is a difficult and potentially dangerous terrain. This cache should not be attempted after rain or snow as the terrain will be too slippery for safe passage. Wear shoes with good gripping tread and be prepared for some climbing. Also, you will probably want to have a phillips-head with you, just in case.
This Series:
This cache is part of the SPACE 2081: A Geocaching Odyssey challenge.
This challenge contains one cache of each difficulty and terrain combination, plus a final cache which can be found only after finding all 81 caches that are part of the series. Each of those 81 caches will contain a code, which you will use as part of the puzzle to solve the FINAL CACHE.
All the members of the space team are actual cachers who are remaining anonymous for the moment. You can find more info on the series, as well as a complete list of released caches HERE. Please do not post hints or spoilers in your logs. Also, each cache must be signed by any individual cachers going for the final.
Good luck, may the force be with you, live long and prosper.
Space Online: