Alan Hale

Alan Hale, 67, died on June 6, 2026. Alan Hale was known publicly as an American astronomer and co-discoverer of Comet Hale–Bopp. Hale specialized in the study of Sun-like stars and the search for extra-solar planetary systems, and has side interests in the fields of comets and near-Earth asteroids. He was an active astronomer most of his life and at teh time of his death served as the president of the Earthrise Institute, which he founded, and which has as its mission the use of astronomy as a tool for breaking down international and intercultural barriers. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named an asteroid in Hale's honor, 4151 Alanhale, in recognition of his numerous comet observations. Public biographical listings identify Hale as an American astronomer. Hale was also associated with co-discoverer of Comet Hale–Bopp. This public record remains centered on Hale's work as an American astronomer and co-discoverer of Comet Hale–Bopp and the documented milestones of that career.