Halley Comet
Hey guys welcome back with new post. Today our topic is so
amazing and curious. because we in this topic we are discussing about the
comet; which is very famous and might be you have heard about this comet which
is known as Halley comet. Many astrolovers might be waiting for 2060-61 to
watch this comet because this comet is only visible after 75-76 years. So,
without wasting much time lets dive into topic.
Halley is also known as short period comet that is visible
from earth with naked eyes twice in human lifetime. last time it appeared in
1986 and it’s estimated to appear in mid of 2061. This comet is named after
English astronomer Edmond Halley in 1705. The comet appeared 1531, 1607 and
1682. He studied the reappearance of same comet, and a result of discovery
comet is named as Halley comet.
History and origin of Halley comet:
First observed in 240BC.
This comet is not occurring in last 400-500 years. Peoples
were recording occurrence of comet since 240 BC. This comet is first observed
in 240 BC. Chinese observers recorded the appearance of Halley comet in Records
of the Grand Historian which is believed to be first authenticated sighting of
Halley comet.
Before 1680 astronomers believes that comet and asteroids do not orbit any star. They move in straight line. Newton in his book “philosophie naturalie principia mathematica”, told that comets have fixed orbits and they even orbit our sun. but he was unable to prove all this stuff. Newton also in his study of laws of gravitation suspected two comets had appeared in succession in 1680 and 1681 which is same comet after passing the sun. but he was unable to recognize these comets completely.
Later Edmond Halley done brief synopsis of newtons laws of gravity to calculate the gravitational effects of Jupiter and Saturn on cometary orbits. He concluded that comet appeared in years 1531,1607,1682 were the same. And he predicted that the next it will return on 1758. But unfortunately, he died in 1742 before he could observe the predicted return of comet. but finally,his prediction was found to be correct.
Orbit:
The period of occurrence of Halley comet is between 75-76
years. And its orbit around sun is highly elliptical. It orbits the sun in
opposite direction of other planets. Its orbit inclined by 18 degrees to
elliptical.
Structure and composition:
At the time 1986 Halley’s apparition, Halley was the first
comet which is studied detailed by space crafts. By using Gitto probe the dark coloration of nucleus
as well as dust and vapours of gases. These observations had given the rise to
many hypothetical theory’s, particularly Freds Whipple’s dirty snowball model.
This model correctly predicted the composition of Halley comet which states
that Halley comet composed of volatile ice like water, carbon dioxide, dust and
ammonia.
The theory now clearly understood that Halley comet greatly
composed of dusty, non-volatile materials and small portion is icy.
Interesting facts about Halley comet:
- · Halley comet is associated with two meteor showers
- · Halley creates its own atmosphere.
- · Halley has lost mass
As Halley comet orbit around sun, when comet approaches near sun it rapidly
evaporates due to high temperature. Scientists estimates that comet losses its
mass between 0.1 and 1 percent each time when it orbits the sun.
- · Halley has the highest velocity relative to Earth in the solar system
Halley
comet orbits sun in opposite direction of planet. During 1910, the comet was
measured to move around 70.56 km/sec, relative to earth which translates into
speed of 254,016 km/h.
- · Halley is small dirty snow ball.
As
we have already discussed Halley comet composed of some snowy surface, volatile
matter.
so, lets stop this discussion about Halley comet and hope we
will get golden chance to watch Halley comet once. Stay connected for more
interesting content. till then bye. Have a great day ahead 😊.