Halley’s Comet is one of the most famous. It is a comet that approaches the Earth approximately every 75 years, which makes it possible for a human being to see it twice in his life. The last time he was here was in 1986, and he is expected to return in 2061. Also, this comet is named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who discovered that this comet returned again and again to Earth.
History of this comet
According to the European Space Agency, Halley’s first observation took place in 239 BC. Chinese astronomers recorded its passage in various chronicles. Another study suggests that its first observation was in 466 BC. C. is, in ancient Greece. When Halley returned in 164 BC. C. and in 87 a. C., it was probably noted in the Babylonian records currently in the British Museum in London.
However, Halley’s most famous appearance occurred shortly before William the Conqueror’s invasion of England in 1066. The King of England believed that the comet foreshadowed his success, which is why it appears in the Bayeux Tapestry.
Discovery of its recurrence
During the 16th century astronomy began to change rapidly. Copernicus published findings showing that the center of the solar system was actually the Sun (and not the Earth as previously thought). However, it took several generations for his calculations to take hold in the astronomical community.
The comet appeared in 1531, 1607, and 1682. Astronomer Edmond Halley suggested in 1758 that the comet continually returned to Earth. However, he did not live long enough to see his return. He died in 1742, but his discovery inspired the scientific community to name the comet after him.
Its passage in 1910 was particularly astonishing, as it flew some 22.4 million kilometers from Earth. In addition, it was the first time that the comet could be captured with a photographic camera.
Halley in the space age
In 1986, a spacecraft was sent for the first time to observe it. Thus, several space probes flew close to the comet, and one of them managed to capture images of the comet’s nucleus for the first time. It will take many years for Halley to come close to Earth again, but in the meantime, his remains can be seen every year. The Orionid shower, which is generated by the Halley fragments, occurs annually in October.
When Halley passes Earth in 2061, the comet will be on the same side of the Sun as Earth and will be much brighter than it was in 1986. However, the comet could collide with another object or be ejected from the solar system. we will have to wait to find out.
