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Story: Night sky

Halley’s Comet

Halley’s Comet

New Zealanders enjoyed a dramatic view of Halley’s Comet in 1910, when its tail stretched far across the night sky. Its next appearance, in 1986, was less memorable.

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How to cite this page

John Field and Maggy Wassilieff, Night sky – Earth’s near neighbours, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/ephemera/7900/halleys-comet (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by John Field and Maggy Wassilieff, published 2 March 2009.

Comments

Tam Irvine
05 May 2017
This photo appears to have been taken by the (very) late Fr. David Kennedy (1864-1936) at the old Marist seminary at Meeanee. He was supported by two novices: Joseph Cullen and Ignatius von Gottfried. Fr. David Kennedy was the first New Zealand-born Marist Priest and was highly influential in establishing the presence of the Catholic Church in New Zealand. He was rector at St Patrick's College Wellington from 1909 to 1917. He is remembered for both his role within New Zealand Catholicism and also for his passion for science - something he championed during his career as a teacher. http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3k8/kennedy-david
Sandy Cruze
09 January 2016
I saw it when I was 9 and it was one of the best experiences of my life!
barbara rangiwhetu
05 June 2012
i saw halleys comet when i was ten, i only got to see it with my dad, as at that time my parents had separated around that time so i didnt get to enjoy it with the rest of my sibblings, in saying that i member i was asleep and my dad come to wake me up so it was early hours in the morning, i'm guessing and my dad said it will be along time before i get to see this again, so the next time halleys comet comes around the earth again, i will hopefully be a grandma, great grandma and experience the magic with all of them, yah cant wait :)
shellz
09 February 2011
There is no way it is coming to earth!
Shellz
09 February 2011
I enjoyed the haleys comet 1986, I was 5 and my parents made sure I saw it! Big event! I wish I would be round to see the next one.