Halley’s Comet: A Visitor from the Depths of Space
by Yuvi K - January 7, 2024
Halley’s Comet: A Visitor from the Depths of Space
Halley’s Comet is the most renowned short-period comet and one of the most widely observed astronomical objects. It is a beautiful sight in the night sky that has been viewed throughout recorded history. It takes around 76 years to complete a single orbit around the Sun. Halley’s Comet was officially named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley in 1705, who was the first to calculate its orbit and accurately predict its return.
What is Halley’s Comet?
Halley’s Comet is a small icy object composed of rock, dust, and frozen water that orbits the Sun and follows a regular, periodic pattern. It was classified as a “dirtball” comet because it is a cosmic mix of materials much like a snow flurry. The nucleus of the comet is about15 kilometers in diameter and covered with a dust mantle.
When it enters the inner Solar System its temperature increases, causing its icy surface to evaporate and releasing dust particles into the solar wind. This results in beautiful ghostly tails that look like a string of pearls, dazzling observers on Earth.
When is Halley’s Comet Visible?
Halley’s Comet is visible only for a brief period of time every 76 years when it passes through our inner solar system and is close enough to Earth to be visible by skywatchers. The reason for the comet’s slow revolution is that it is very far away and its velocity decreases with increasing distance. The last time it was last witnessed in 1986, and the next time it will be seen is expected to be 2061.
Discovery and History of Halley’s Comet
Halley’s Comet was first documented in 240 BC by Chinese astronomers, who noted its appearance in the day sky. It was also recorded by Greek observers in 476 and 164 BC, and in other historical documents in 174 and 87 BC.
In fact, Halley’s Comet was seen prior to Edmond Halley’s life time and had appeared various times over the centuries. But it was Halley who put the pieces of the puzzle together and linked the comets seen centuries before AD to the one that appeared in 1682.
In 1705, Halley published the first modern calculation of the orbit of the comet that bears his name in detail. His calculations showed that the same comet appeared every 76 years. He predicted that the comet would return in 1758, but Halley died before it became visible. After his death, his prediction was confirmed in 1758 and became known as Halley’s Comet.
Impacts of Halley’s Comet
The visible occurrence of Halley’s Comet is actually quite rare, as it typically takes 76 years to orbit the Sun. Every time it does, it leaves behind some very unique impacts:
- Halley’s Comet has had a huge impact on culture, with its appearance being recorded in stories, books, and artwork around the world.
- It also served as a useful indicator of astronomical phenomenon since it allowed scientists to measure the gravitational forces of planets for the first time.
- It provided an opportunity for the first scientific study of a comet as it was observed closely for the first time by space probes as it flew by in 1986.
Conclusion
Halley’s Comet is a beautiful natural display that has captivated observers throughout the ages. It was named after Edmund Halley in the late 18th century and is the best-known short-period comet. Its appearance will occur every 76 years, but it can also appear sporadically before or after this period. Halley’s Comet is important in culture and science, as it reveals a whole new level of understanding about comets and provides an insight into the cosmos.
