December 2, 1996: Hale Bopp - Dr. Lee Shargel

Dr. Lee Shargel joins Art Bell to discuss classified photographs of Hale-Bopp comet obtained by one of his colleagues through undisclosed methods. Shargel reports that 17 classified images clearly show a distinct object causing disturbances in the comet's tail, visible only briefly due to specific azimuth angles and solar declination. The photographs allegedly provide authentic, clear evidence of an anomalous object associated with the comet, contradicting official astronomical explanations. Bell opens the program with news that water has been discovered on the Moon, with lake-sized deposits possibly 100 feet deep, to be announced by the Pentagon. A Mars probe launch has been delayed 24 hours due to computer problems. Shargel's analysis suggests the mysterious object is either trapped in the comet's gravity field or represents a probe or craft built by unknown intelligence. The discussion explores the implications of these findings for understanding both the Hale-Bopp anomaly and potential extraterrestrial activity in our solar system. This episode contributes to the ongoing investigation of one of the decade's most controversial astronomical discoveries, combining insider information with speculation about non-terrestrial origins.