In an attempt to view the comet Hyakutake, Iowa State astronomers will hold an open house Friday night at Erwin Fick Observatory from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in cooperation with the Ames Area Amateur Astronomers.

“It’s pretty exciting to see this giant piece of ice coming in from the outer reaches of the solar system,” said Phil Appleton, professor of physics and astronomy.

“It really is the last chance to see Hyakutake because it will soon swing around the sun and won’t be back for about 14,000 years,” Appleton said. In addition to “setting up all sorts of telescopes” in order to view the comet, Appleton said the astronomers will be taking images with an electronic camera. These images will be ready to view immediately through the computer screen.

“We actually have a catalog of images starting from about three weeks ago that will be on display. People will be able to see the history of the comet,” Appleton said.

Friday was chosen as the viewing night because of the anticipated observing conditions.

“The moon is not as bright, which is ideal,” Appleton said.

Hyakutake has been visible for roughly a month but only now is easily observed, though small.

As it draws closer to the sun, it gets smaller but brighter, Appleton said. “In fact, it’s probably the brightest comet that I have ever seen.”

Appleton said “the open house is a time to say our last good-byes to Hyakutake Comet, unless you want to wait around for another 14,000 years.”