Halley's Comet - May 18, 2006

Every 76 years, Halley's Comet returns to our cosmic neighborhood. 

Even though British astronomer Edmond Halley (whose name was pronounced either "Holly," "Hawley," or rhyming with "pally") predicted the celestial visitor's appearance in 1758, he died in 1742 at the age of 85 and never saw the comet to which he lent his name. 

The most famous appearance of the comet -- also known as 1P/Halley -- came in 1910, when it was bright enough to be visible in daylight hours. When the planet passed through the comet's tail on May 18, a worldwide panic erupted as people feared that the Earth's atmosphere would be poisoned by cyanogen gas. 

The comet's biggest fan may have been Mark Twain, whose birth and death came during visits from Halley's astronomical phenomenon. Twain opined, "The Almighty has said, no doubt: 'Now here are these two unaccountable freaks; they came in together, they must go out together.'" 

Those wishing to follow Twain's example have plenty of time to make reservations, as the comet isn't due back until 2061.

Suggested Sites...

Here's Why Mark Twain Is Linked to Halley's Comet - a history of Sam Clemens's personal connection with the comet. Edmond Halley's Greatest Discoveries - details Halley's non-comet-related scientific discoveries. Great Comets in History - NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory calls an honor roll of great heavenly events.