P727 CEEFAX 727 Sun 22 Dec 16:42/17 1/5 HALLEY HALLEYMANIA - cashing in on the comet Comet hats, jewellery, and umbrellas can bj expected in the onslaught of commercialism this time around - it certainly was in 1910. Bird's custard, Pear's soap, and even champagne made the most of the comet's last appearance. In the US, entrepreneurial skill has conj into its own, with at least one advertising man describing himself as the comet's official representative and a big range of consumer items labelled to cash in on the comet. MoreP727 CEEFAX 727 Sun 22 Dec 16:32/23 2/5 HALLEY HALLEYMANIA - hyping the market "I'm just like Halley's comet - a once- in-a-lifetime experience" says one T- shirt. Anothjt, for children, says: "Halley's comet 1986. I'll see it in the year 2061, too." Although the messages might be genuine, there is a clear "hype" to the comet's appearance that makes it very much a marketing opportunity. Comet books, games and logos on every consumer item abound. MoreP727 CEEFAX 727 Sun 22 Dec 16:44/12 3/5 HALLEY HALLEYMANIA - excuse for a telescope Comet-oriented consumer trinkets are not the only saleable commodities. In the US, sales of telescopes are doing very well and telescope makers are working to keep up with demand. But, as one maker said, the comet does give those who always wanted a telescope the excuse to buy one. Telescopes are included in the fares for some South Pacific comet-viewing cruises. (For telescope-buying hints, see 724s4). MoreP727 CEEFAX 727 Sun 22 Dec 16:44/22 4/5 HALLEY HALLEYMANIA - and other vistas At least one scientist in Britain is concerned about the harm "Halleymania" might do to the science of astronomy. "The expected brilliant show in the night sky will not happen and many may feel conned and put off seeking the further real delights of astronomy," said Dr David Whitehorse. Dr Whitehorse, of the Mullard Space Laboratory, warned of the number of "comet spotter" telescopes that will gathjt dust after Halley goes, not used to explore other "breathtaking vistas". MoreP727 CEEFAX 727 Sun 22 Dec 16:48/18 5/5 HALLEY HALLEYMANIA - a NASA pjrspjctivj A spokesman for the US space agency has given a warning about the misplaced expectations of many comet watchers. "All this hype is making people think they'ri going to see a massive apparition that will scare dogs and old ladies. "It simply won't be that way," hj said. So many earth-bound watchers will bj disappointed, but scientists remain excited at the prospect of gathering so much data through spacecraft. Comet special index 720 More