Halley's Comet and its Beautiful Presence in Pop Culture

What is Halley’s comet? 

Halley's Comet, also known as 1P/Halley, is a short-period comet visible from Earth approximately every 75-76 years. It is one of the most famous comets in history, named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley who calculated its orbit. The comet's last appearance was in 1986, and it is expected to return to the inner Solar System in 2061. 

Bayeux Tapestry, scene 32, XI century

Where can we find Halley Comet in pop culture? 

Comets have been observed by humanity for thousands of years and because they disturbed the harmony of the starry sky, they were soon deemed to be a bad omen. Halley's Comet has been represented since the early ages, in particular, its appearance in 1066 won her a place in the famous Bayeux tapestry, a long, narrow strip of coarse linen (70 metres by 51 centimetres), which is displayed in a special museum in Normandy. It unfolds the tale of the 1066 conquest of England by the Duke of Normandy. In a segment depicting the incoronation of the Anglo-Saxon king, Harold, two men point at the sky where we can notice the comet, which is seen as a bad omen, as a matter of fact, the new king will soon be killed in the battle of Hastings by the Normans. Ever since, the comet has made appearances in many more masterpieces of literature, cinema, television and music and has even been featured in softwares. For example, regarding literature, Arthur C. Clarke's "2061: Odyssey Three" includes a detailed mission to the comet. Focusing on cinema, the Mexican film "Halley" is inspired by the passage of the comet, using it as a symbol of the cyclical nature of human life, even though Halley's Comet is never mentioned in any of the dialogues. When it comes to music, the first song that might come to your mind is Billie Eilish's "Halley's Comet," featured on her album "Happier Than Ever", which the singer herself describes as a “sweet, romantic song” and is about “falling in love and feeling a feeling of euphoria, like you’re floating”.

Why is Halley’s comet so famous? 

Halley’s comet, W. Liller, Easter Island, 1986

Halley's Comet has achieved its legendary status for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of the few comets visible to the naked eye from Earth, making it accessible to the general public. Secondly, its predictable 75-76 year orbit allows for anticipation and planning of its appearances, creating a sense of cyclical wonder across generations. Lastly, its long history of recorded sightings, dating back to at least 240 BCE, has cemented its place in human culture and scientific understanding. However the comet's cultural significance extends beyond its scientific importance, its periodic appearance have often been interpreted as omens or harbingers of change throughout history. In conclusion, as we already mentioned this enduring fascination with Halley's Comet has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, further solidifying its place in the collective human imagination.