1 of 11

Halley's Comet
Of the thousands of known comets in the solar system, Halley's comet is one of some 200 that are periodic. Halley's comet orbits Earth every 76 years; the next flyby will occur in 2061.

Photograph by James Balog

Asteroids and Comets

See asteroid and comet photos from National Geographic.

Related Topics

You May Also Like

Interstellar comet 31/ATLAS is a weirdo, but it’s definitely not aliens

Are interstellar objects proof of alien life? This could finally settle the debate.

Our solar system has a new mysterious visitor—what is it?

We caught a view of an interstellar comet from Mars

This rare green comet won’t return for a thousand years. Here’s how to see it this week.

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2025 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved