How Fast Is Halley's Comet?

Halley's Comet returns every 76 years on a stretched orbit. It moves at 54,500 m/s near the Sun and just 1 km/s at its farthest point. Last seen in 1986, next due in 2061. Documented sightings go back to at least 240 BC.

Edmond Halley calculated his comet's orbit in 1705, predicting it would return in 1758 — he died in 1742 and never saw it. The comet was renamed in his honour.

• Documented since 240 BC
• Next visit: 2061