STUDENT, TEACHER TRACK COMET.

Byline: JEAN RUSSEL VOGEL

This tale of two star-gazers begins during 1975 at Humboldt Junior High School in Van Nuys, where Bob Sera was studying astronomy under science teacher Hugh Rumball-Petre.

A sky watcher since early childhood, Sera's enthusiasm grew as his instructor encouraged his students to take part in Los Angeles Astronomical Society events, such as stargazing from Ventura County's remote Lockwood Valley.

Sera, of Agoura, never forgot how Rumball-Petre helped him build a camera for photographing stars. Now a computer programmer, Sera reactivated his youthful hobby several years ago, and located his former teacher on the Internet in November.

Now the two are sharing the excitement of spotting Comet Hale- Bopp from their own yards, and checking its course during sightings from the Mount Pinos/Lockwood Valley area, where light pollution is minimal.

Writing to Rumball-Petre last fall, Sera wasn't sure he'd be remembered by the teacher who ``gave me my first big inspiration'' regarding astronomy. But Rumball-Petre phoned Sera immediately and was gratified to learn of his former student's achievements in astrophotography. Sera's work has been published in Astronomy and Sky and Telescope Magazines.

``He now has a better collection of equipment than I do,'' said Rumball-Petre, of Simi Valley, who saw the first four telescopes he'd ever made destroyed in a fire in 1970. He's been gradually replacing them, explaining, ``I've never had a telescope I didn't make.''

The Humboldt students were able to use their teacher's telescopes on occasion, and Sera was especially impressed with Rumball-Petre's creation of a small, lightweight telescope for use on backpack trips.

Rumball-Petre has continued his association with the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, although he retired from teaching in 1989. Sera, on the other hand, has been active with the Ventura County Astronomical Society, and introduced his former teacher to the recent activities of that group.

Currently, the society's programs and viewing trips have focused on Hale Bopp, which members agree is the celestial event of the century.

The public is invited to join members at 5:30 p.m. today at Moorpark College for comet-watching and a lecture by Astronomy Professor Hal Jandorf, who also is president of the society. And a 92 percent eclipse of the moon later this evening will enhance the visibility of Hale Bopp. Telescopes will be available to those attending the free gathering. For more information about today's event and other society activities, consult the Web Page at http://www.serve.net/vcas.html or call Starline 529-7813.