Halley’s Comet makes its closest approach to Earth at a distance equal to 0.0342 AU (5.1 million kilometres/3.2 million miles)

Halley’s Comet is one of the most famous comets in the solar system, named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley who predicted its return based on his observations of comets in the 17th century.

The comet takes approximately 76 years to complete one orbit around the Sun, and was last visible from Earth in 1986. Its next predicted appearance is in 2061.

Halley’s Comet is a periodic comet, which means that it follows a predictable path around the Sun. It is a relatively small comet, with a nucleus estimated to be about 15 kilometers in diameter, and it is composed mainly of ice, dust, and gas.

The comet’s most notable feature is its long, bright tail, which can stretch for millions of kilometers. This tail is created when the comet’s nucleus heats up as it gets closer to the Sun, causing ice and gas to be released and blown back by the solar wind.

Halley’s Comet has been observed and documented for over 2,000 years, with records of its appearance dating back to ancient Greece and China. Its next visit in 2061 will be closely watched by astronomers and stargazers alike, as it is the first time the comet will be visible from Earth in over 70 years.