Halley's Comet
Sign in to saveshort-period comet visible from Earth every 75–76 years
AI overview
Halley's Comet is a comet that can be seen from Earth roughly every 75 to 76 years as it passes through our part of the solar system. It matters because its regular, predictable returns have made it one of the most famous and historically significant comets, allowing people across generations to witness the same cosmic visitor.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
Halley's Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye from Earth, appearing roughly every 75–76 years, though with the majority of recorded apparitions (25 of 30) occurring after 75–77 years. It last appeared in the inner parts of the Solar System in 1986 and will next appear in mid-2061. Officially designated 1P/Halley, it is also commonly called Comet Halley, or sometimes simply Halley.
Halley's periodic returns to the inner Solar System have been observed and recorded by astronomers around the world since at least 240 BC, but it was not until 1705 that the English astronomer Edmond Halley understood that these appearances were re-appearances of the same comet. As a result of this discovery, the comet is named after Halley.