International astronomers announce that Halley’s comet, known as 1P/Halley, will complete its 76-year orbit and pass close to Earth in 2061. The projection is based on precise calculations of its elliptical trajectory around the Sun. This passage will occur in July, with perihelion scheduled for the 28th.
The comet, with a diameter of around 15 kilometers, represents a milestone in astronomy due to its periodicity confirmed three centuries ago. Its last closest approach took place in February 1986, when space probes captured detailed images of its nucleus.
The discovery of its periodic nature occurred in 1705, when British scientist Edmond Halley analyzed historical observations. Records date back to 240 BC, made by Chinese astronomers who documented its luminous tail.
Ancient origins of Halley’s Comet
Halley’s comet appears from a distant region of the Solar System, known as the Oort Cloud, billions of kilometers from the Sun. This origin explains its composition of ice, dust and rock, which forms the tail as it approaches the king star.
First sightings occurred in Antiquity, with Babylonian and Chinese reports describing it as a star with a curved tail in 164 BC and 87 BC. These events influenced cultures, associating the phenomenonnot to omens.
Physical characteristics revealed in 1986
Probes like Giotto, from the European Space Agency, came within 600 kilometers of the nucleus in 1986. The mission revealed an irregular body measuring 15 by 8 kilometers, with jets of gas and dust.
The maximum speed reaches 54 kilometers per second near the Sun, generating a coma up to 100 thousand kilometers in diameter.
These data confirm that the comet loses mass with each orbit, ejecting up to 100 tons of material per second.
The dark core, covered in organic dust, absorbs 95% of sunlight, making it visible only through the glowing tail.
Projections for the passage of 2061
Scientists from NASA and ESA predict that the comet will reach magnitude -0.3 in 2061, visible to the naked eye for months. The elliptical orbit will take it within 0.6 astronomical units of Earth on July 29.
- Minimum distance to the Sun: 0.6 AU, accelerating its rotation.
- Duration of visibility: up to 80 days in the southern hemisphere.
- Impact on meteor showers: fragments generate the Orionids in October.
This approach will allow new telescopic observations, updating cometal evolution models.
Cultural influences throughout history
The comet appeared in landmark events, such as before the Battle of Hastings in 1066, depicted on the Bayeux Tapiz. In medieval Europe, it was associated with political changes.
In 1910, its passage sparked scientific debate about the composition of the tail, with spectral analyzes detecting cyanogen.
Pioneering space explorations
Missions in 1986 marked the first in situ analysis of a comet. The Soviet Vega probe photographed the nucleus before Giotto.
These explorations collected particles that revealed water and Earth-like organic compounds.
The comet influences studies on the formation of the Solar System, with its age estimated at 200 thousand years.
Preparations for Observation in 2061
Bodies such as the National Observatory in Brazil plan educational campaigns for 2061. Amateur telescopes will be able to capture details with affordable equipment.
The trajectory favors views in the southern hemisphere, where the comet will appear low on the horizon at dawn.
Data from 1986 indicates that the tail can extend 30 degrees across the sky, a spectacle for millions of observers.
