Halley's Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye from Earth, appearing every 72–80 years, though with the majority of recorded apparitions (25 of 30) occurring after 75–77 years. It last appeared in the inner parts of the Solar System in 1986 and will next appear in mid-2061. Officially designated 1P/Halley, it is also commonly called Comet Halley, or sometimes simply Halley. Halley's periodic returns to the inner Solar System have been observed and recorded by astronomers around the world since at least 240 BC, but it was not until 1705 that the English astronomer Edmond Halley understood that these appearances were re-appearances of the same comet.
BC First recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet
Halley's Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye from Earth, appearing every 72–80 years, though with the majority of recorded apparitions (25 of 30)…
Historical Significance
Halley's Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye from Earth, appearing every 72–80 years, though with the majority of recorded apparitions (25 of 30) occurring after 75–77 years.
Events Before
Pope Pontian becomes the first pope to abdicate from the role for St. Anterus
Pope Pontian becomes the first pope to abdicate from the role for St. Anterus
Reign of St Anterus as Catholic Pope ends with his death after only 40 days
Reign of St Anterus as Catholic Pope ends with his death after only 40 days
Fabian begins his reign as Catholic Pope
The pope is the bishop of Rome and the head of the worldwide Catholic Church. He is also known as the supreme pontiff, Roman pontiff, or sovereign pontiff.
Gordian I and his son Gordian II are proclaimed co-emperors by the Roman Senate
Gordian III (Latin: Marcus Antonius Gordianus; 20 January 225 – 11 February 244) was Roman emperor from 238 to 244.
The Roman Senate and Praetorian Guard proclaim 13-year-old Gordian III as Emperor - the youngest-ever emperor of a unite
The Roman Senate and Praetorian Guard proclaim 13-year-old Gordian III as Emperor - the youngest-ever emperor of a united Rome [1]
Events After
BC Battle of the Aegates Islands: Romans sink the Carthaginian fleet, ending the First Punic War
BC Battle of the Aegates Islands: Romans sink the Carthaginian fleet, ending the First Punic War
St. Fabian ends his reign as pope of the Catholic Church (236-250)
Pope Fabian (Latin: Fabianus) was the bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church from 10 January 236 until his death on 20 January 250, succeeding Anterus.
More from the 240s
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on March 30, 240?
- Halley's Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye from Earth, appearing every 72–80 years, though with the majority of recorded apparitions (25 of 30) occurring after 75–77 years. It last appeared in the inner parts of the Solar System in 1986 and will next appear in mid-2061. Officially designated 1P/Halley, it is also commonly called Comet Halley, or sometimes simply Halley.
- Why is BC First recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet significant?
- Halley's Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye from Earth, appearing every 72–80 years, though with the majority of recorded apparitions (25 of 30) occurring after 75–77 years.