Final answer:
Halley's Comet is named after Edmund Halley because he predicted its return in 1758 based on his calculations of its orbit. His prediction confirmed the periodic nature of the comet's appearance, thereby solidifying his name in astronomy. Halley made numerous contributions to the field and was honored by having the comet named after him.
Step-by-step explanation:
Halley's Comet is named after the English scientist Edmund Halley because he calculated its orbit and predicted that it would return in 1758. Halley, working on the studies initiated by Isaac Newton, noted the similarity in the orbits of comets that appeared in 1531, 1607, and 1682. He proposed they were the same comet, with a periodic return of approximately 76 years. Prior to Halley's work, comets were often considered atmospheric disturbances or one-time events. His prediction of its return, which was confirmed in 1758, validated his theory of cometary orbits and forever linked his name to this particular comet. Halley's dedication to astronomy did not just stop at comets; he had diverse contributions that included recognizing the movement of "fixed" stars and discussing the size and nature of nebulae. Moreover, he became a professor of geometry and eventually the Astronomer Royal of England.In conclusion, Halley's profound contributions to the study of the cosmos, including his accurate prediction of the comet's return, resulted in the comet being named after him posthumously. The comet's last appearance was in 1986, and it is expected to return in 2061.