Halley's Comet

See also: Halley's comet

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Circa 1758. Named after English astronomer Edmond Halley, who first computed its orbit and established its periodicity. Halley predicted the return of the comet (then last seen in 1682) in 1705; when it did return in late 1758, it quickly acquired this name.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˌhæliːz ˈkɒmɪt/, /ˌheɪliːz ˈkɒmɪt/

Proper noun

Halley's Comet

  1. A great comet which can be seen from Earth every 75–76 years.
    Synonyms: (official IAU designation) 1P/Halley, Comet Halley, Halley
    • The Scots Magazine, Vol. XXI (April 1759), p. 208
      In the London papers of May 3 we have the following accounts […] It had a short broad tail in a direction opposite the sun ; as Dr Halley's comet ought to have ; being much foreshortened […]

Translations

Further reading
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