Halley’s Comet
Halley’s Comet was visible in 1986. Named after Edmund Halley, the scientist who conducted extensive research on the comet, the comet has been documented since 240 BCE. The comet will appear again around July 28, 2061. Children could learn more about comets at: Comets.
Halley’s Comet
Halley’s Comet made its closest approach to earth yet in 1986. Edmond Halley discovered that certain similar comets had been seen in 1531, 1607, and 1682. He concluded the sightings were of the same comet. It was named in honor of him. The comet appears roughly every 77 years, approaching earth again mid-2061. Children can learn more about Halley’s Comet and comets in general at: Comets.
Vega I was launched by the Soviet Union in 1984. It dropped scientific balloons into the atmosphere of Venus on June 11, 1985, and then made contact with Halley’s Comet in March of 1986. It took many images of the comet and studied the comet’s nucleus and coma. Now Vega I circles the sun. Older children can learn more at: Vega I.