Halley's Comet - Gonga/Niuafou'ou

Halley’s Comet is the most well known comet of all periodic comets. It currently is seen about every 75 years from earth. This comet is the only short period comet that is visible to the naked eye. Halley’ Comet made its last visit to our solar system in 1986. Astronomers and lay people alike wait anxiously for its next pass over in the year 2061.

Here are some interesting facts about Halley’s Comet…

The earliest recorded history of the comet began in China in 240 BC. There is speculation by theologians that the comet explains the Star of Bethlehem as depicted in the Bible. In the year 837 the comet soared the closest to the earth’s surface than it ever has before. The comet made the trip to our solar system in 1835, the year of Mark Twain’s birth. He later went on to write about how he came in with the comet and would leave with the comet when it returns again. Halley’s Comet’s next return was in 1910. Mark Twain died the day after its arrival.

Stamps have a fantastic way of telling a story or showing a brief snapshot of history. Tonga/Niuafou'ou produced a fantastic collection of stamps in 1986 that celebrated the return of Halley’s Comet. To purchase these beautiful and rare special issue stamps at a reduced price, check out this website.