English astronomer Edmond Halley was the first person to predict the periodicity of Halley’s Comet. Subsequently, the comet was named after him.
Comets were believed to make a single appearance. However, Halley showed that they could orbit the Sun and make periodic appearances. Though Halley was the first to prove the periodicity of comets, he was not the first to record their appearance. The return of Halley’s Comet to the inner solar system had been observed and recorded at least since 240 BC by astronomers. Chinese and European chroniclers had also made records of Halley’s Comet, although they did not realize that these were reappearances of the same object.
Periodic reappearances of Halley’s Comet have been scientifically investigated even in the modern era. The three appearances from 1531 to 1682 were noted by Halley who recognized it as the same comet. In 1705, he predicted that it would return in 1758. Halley’s prediction came true and the comet was named in his honour. Unfortunately, Halley did not live long enough to see its return. He passed away in 1742.
Picture Credit : Google