Halley's comet is named after the English scientist Edmund Halley because he
A)discovered it.
B)was the first to see it in 1682.
C)calculated its orbit and predicted that it would return in 1758.
D)was the most famous astronomer in England during its appearance.
E)was the first to publish pictures of it and report it to the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Edmund Halley was responsible for calculating the orbit of the comet and predicting its return in 1758. This prediction was based on his study of previous comet sightings and his belief that they were all part of the same comet returning on a regular cycle. His prediction was proven correct when the comet that came to be known as Halley's comet returned as predicted.

Halley's Comet Is Named After the English Scientist Edmund Halley