See also: Halley's comet

English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

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 edit

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

Proper noun edit

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 []

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Further reading edit