Halley’s Comet is the most well known comet because it is the only short-term comet that is visible from Earth with the naked eye. Halley’s Comet was seen multiple times throughout history. The first known observation of Halley’s Comet was in 239 B.C. by Chinese astronomers. When it returned in 164 B.C. and 87 B.C. it was noted in Babylonian records. In most cases, the appearance of the comet was seen as a sign of disaster such as war, famine, or change and is chronicled in many pieces of art. For example, in 1066, Halley’s Comet appeared right before William the Conqueror invaded England. William felt the comet was a sign of success, so it was put on a Tapestry in William’s honor. The comet’s appearance in 1301 is thought to likely have inspired the depiction of the star in Giotto’s painting, “Adoration of the Magi.” Even Shakespeare’s plays had references to comets as signs of important events.
Even though sightings of Halley’s Comet have been documented for thousands of years, until the 1600s they were all thought to be isolated events. In the 1600s, an English astronomer named Edmond Halley, closely examined many of the past records of comets near Earth, specifically records from 1531, 1607, and 1682, and concluded they were all actually the same comet. He predicted that this particular comet approached Earth every 75-76 years and would therefore be seen again in 1758. Although he died before this date, his prediction was correct, and hence the comet was named after him.
The last time Halley’s Comet approached Earth was in 1986. It is likely to return in 2061 and be much brighter than last time since it will be on the same side of the Sun as Earth. But in the meantime, you can see remnants of the comet every October and May during the Orionid and Eta Aquarids meteor showers.
