Edmond Halley
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: The 17th and 18th Centuries
- Categories: Science
- Subcategories: Scientists, Astronomy, Astronomers, Cosmology
- Curriculum: British History, 18th Century European History, 17th Century European History
Article abstract: Among his many scientific achievements, Halley’s best-known accomplishment was to solve the riddle of the orbits of comets. In particular, he predicted that the one seen in 1682 would return in 1759. This comet was later named for him.
Early Life
The details of Edmond Halley’s life are only sketchily known, since most of his private papers and correspondence have been lost. Some facts have been collected from the papers of colleagues, relations, and friends—but many gaps remain. It is known that he was born on October 29, 1656, in...
[The entire page is 2330 words long]
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