If you saw Hale-Bopp, you saw one of the best comets ever. I have seen a few Great Comets. West, Halley, Hyakutake, Hale-Bopp, and Neowise 2020. Hale-Bopp went on forever.
Isn’t astronomy Fun!
Wish I'd seen West, but I saw Holmes one night without hearing about it earlier. It was almost like discovering a comet on my own. I also have some modest equipment, portable by necessity since I don't have a back yard.
It is indeed! That's why I like it.