Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

Like the bob on a cosmic pendulum, Halley's Comet will return again in the year _____?

  1. 2010

  2. 2075

  3. 2061

  4. 2050

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Halley's Comet orbits the Sun approximately every 75-76 years. Its last appearance was in 1986, so the next return will be around 2061 (1986 + 75 = 2061). The comet has been observed since ancient times and is the only short-period comet visible to the naked eye.

AI explanation

Halley's Comet has an orbital period of roughly 75-76 years, and its most recent close approach to the sun was in 1986, putting its next expected return around 2061. This periodicity is why the comet is visible from Earth roughly twice per human lifetime and was famously used by Edmond Halley to predict its return.