Despite making its appearance only once every roughly 75 years, Halley’s Comet is perhaps one of the most famous objects in the night sky. It last passed by Earth in 1986, and both astronomers and skywatchers are eagerly anticipating its return in 2061.
When Halley’s Comet reappears in Earth’s skies, it will likely be a spectacle that will yet again captivate much of the world — and potentially worry some. But, since we still have some time before Halley’s Comet returns, let’s dive into what makes this comet so special, the incredible journey it’s on, and what we can expect when it once again passes near Earth.
What Is Halley’s Comet?
Halley’s Comet, officially designated 1P/Halley, is a short-period comet (less than 200-year orbit around the Sun) that is regularly visible from Earth about every 76 years. Halley’s Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye, as well as the only short-period comet that can appear twice in a human lifetime. And during the comet’s last approach in 1986, it become the first comet in history to be studied in detail by spacecraft.
