Great Comets
Mon 06 Oct
|Institute of Astronomy
We have all heard of Halley's comet and a few others such as Hale-Bopp. This month we'll talk about these and others - maybe even our new inter-galactic visitor!
Time & Location
06 Oct 2025, 19:30 – 21:00
Institute of Astronomy, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0HA, UK
About The Event
Introduction to Great Comets
Great comets are defined by their spectacular brightness and visibility, often becoming prominent objects in the night sky. They are typically distinguished from regular comets by their brightness, size, and the length of their tails.
Characteristics of Great Comets
Brightness: Great comets can be seen with the naked eye and often outshine stars and planets.
Size: They usually have larger nuclei and more substantial atmospheres compared to typical comets.
Tails: Great comets develop long, bright tails that can be several degrees across, visible even in daylight.