Is Halley's comet the only comet visible to human eye? - ProProfs Discuss
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Is Halley's comet the only comet visible to human eye?

Is Halley's comet the only comet visible to human eye?

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Asked by I.Helen, Last updated: Apr 07, 2024

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4 Answers

K. Tanaka

K. Tanaka

K. Tanaka
K. Tanaka, Librarian, Oklahoma

Answered Feb 01, 2021

The correct answer to this question is No. It is the not the only comet that is visible. However, the Halley's Comet is the most famous one. The reason why the Halley's Comet is most known is because it comes around periodically.

There is a chance in this lifetime that you can see the comet, as the comet orbits Earth every 75 years. For example, it was last seen in 1986. This is before I was alive. The next time it is expected to be seen is in 2061, so if I am blessed, I will be around for that one.

The other comets that are visible do not come around that often.

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E. Dixon

E. Dixon

E. Dixon
E. Dixon

Answered Jan 29, 2021

Halley’s comet is a short-period comet that is visible from the earth; however, it only comes on average, about 75 years apart. It pushes around the sun in a closed orbit. Halley’s comet was last in the solar system in April 1986. The first observations and recording of the comet were in 240 BC.

While visible in 1986, Halley’s Comet became the first comet to be observed in detail by a spacecraft. This time was the first examination of the structure of a comet nucleus and a coma and tail formation mechanism. It is famous for being visible by the naked eye during its short orbital period.

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G. Horace

G. Horace

G. Horace
G. Horace, Content Developer, Chicago

Answered Oct 31, 2018

There are different comets that can be seen in space but not all of them is visible to the naked eye. Halley’s Comet is known to be the only short-term comet that people can see just by looking up. This can also be seen by people twice in their whole lifetime.

It should be remembered that if you would like to see other comets, having a telescope can be effective. A telescope can help magnify the heavens so that different stars and even their colors will become more evident. Some high-powered telescopes can definitely see objects in outer space that have never been seen before.

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V. Barnes

V. Barnes

V. Barnes
V. Barnes

Answered May 18, 2018

Halley’s Comet is not the only comet visible to the human eye but it is certainly the most famous because it’s a “periodic” comet which means it orbits near Earth about every 75 years. The last time Halley’s comic could be seen was in 1986 and it is expected to return in 2061. Other comets have been able to be seen but they are not known to be periodic comets.

For example, Comet Machholz, was discovered in August of 2004 and by January, 2005 it was bright enough to be seen without a telescope. There were four other comets discovered in 2004 that could also be seen by the human eye.

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