As the Hale-Bopp Comet very slowly fades into invisibility in our hemisphere, it is possible to speculate on the lasting effects -- if any -- of the phenomenon. One interesting set of reactions has little to do with astronomy: the comet seems to have brought a deep spiritual response in many young people. Malcolm Marshall is on the staff of YO! (Youth Outlook), a newspaper by and about Bay Area teens produced by Pacific News Service.

The comet called Hale-Bopp is almost out of sight, but I felt many wonderful sensations during the time it was here -- sensations of growth, mental, spiritual and physical. I actually felt my body getting bigger.

I also seemed to understand everything on a deeper level. I spent a lot of time with myself and did a lot of reading. One night, I cried as I haven't since I was a child. The next morning I felt at peace, like I had come to some closure.

For many young people, the passing of comet Hale-Bopp marked a time of personal and spiritual transformation. As the comet waned, I asked several people aged 20 to 25 to describe the comet's impact on their lives.

Adiam -- I believe everything in the universe has a significance here on this earth. That's why we watched the comet so closely. I think the comet brought a lot of people to looking within themselves -- I was doing that. People were trying to redefine where they see their lives heading.

Deuce Eclipse -- I think the comet is a sign that the universe is changing again. Nothing is going to be the same. It makes me feel like my timing as a human is perfect because I got to witness it.

Brandon -- I saw the comet the first night that it came out. It signified a time when I could meditate deeply on my life and what's going on. Everyone was talking about the comet -- kids, elders, people of all races. It showed people that something is happening with the universe. During this time, everyone seemed to be on this deep metaphysical level. It felt like there were some serious powers put upon us.

Christina -- I've noticed extreme things happening -- extreme good or extreme bad. A lot of life changes, job changes. The comet is one sign that change is coming. I wonder what's going to happen when it's gone.

The night of the full eclipse of the moon and the comet, I was out in the country with my sister and her baby. After we went to bed, my sister saw a red ball of light in the room. The light hovered above her head and then passed through her body. Right then she had a sensation that everything would be all right. She woke me and we went outside to look at the comet. I could see it moving. As I watched it, I had the same sensation that everything would be all right.

Korise -- It definitely is bringing changes in our galaxy. I've noticed that right after I've said something, it happened. Words have power, so I'm watching what I say. I'll remember seeing the comet, and I'll remember the 39 people who went out with it. I heard many months ago about a spaceship behind the comet.

Melissa -- The comet is a sign of the times. I heard that it was 3000 years in coming. I think it's from the ancestors--something they knew we would need in this time.

Teresa -- I finally had enough strength within myself to leave my boyfriend. Maybe we'll get back together, but I have to stand on my own first. KRS One said if you always do the same thing you'll always get the same results. The comet showed me that I have to do something different.