ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Tuesday, March 12, 1996                TAG: 9603120098
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL   PAGE: A-3  EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 

IN THE NATION

Newly found comet to make close pass

WASHINGTON - A recently discovered comet will make a close pass by Earth in two weeks, and astronomers say it is likely to be visible to the naked eye and among the brightest comets in recent years.

While wary of promising too much, astronomers say the new comet - called Hyakutake 1996 B2 - should be worthwhile.

The comet will not be visible from Virginia, however.

- Newsday

Nuclear waste plant to start up today

WASHINGTON - After falling six years behind schedule and going $1 billion over budget, the Energy Department is to start up a new $2 billion plant in South Carolina today to process radioactive sludge left from the Cold War.

Energy officials describe the facility at Savannah River as a technology showcase, disputing critics who contend the government has little to show for the $30 billion already spent on cleaning up nuclear-weapon waste across the nation.

- Los Angeles Times

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