Halley's Comet (1P/Halley) is a famous periodic comet with an orbital period of approximately how many years?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. 75 to 76 years
- Step 1: English astronomer Edmond Halley determined in 1705 that comet apparitions in 1531, 1607, and 1682 were the same periodic body returning on an elliptical orbit.
- Step 2: With an orbital period averaging 75 to 76 years, Halley was last observed in the inner solar system in 1986 and will next return to perihelion in mid-2061.
Answer
75 to 76 years
Why not the others: '25 to 26 years' 25 years is far too short for Halley's orbital trajectory into the outer solar system; '105 to 106 years' 105 years is too long; Halley's period averages approximately 75.3 years; '300 to 301 years' 300 years characterizes longer-period comets; Halley is a short-period periodic comet.
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