Astronomers say there are uncountable comets throughout space, with more than a trillion in our Milky Way galaxy alone and millions more circling the sun. Many of these are in elliptical orbits and take thousands or even millions of years to complete their circuits. Some comets have heads fifty thousand miles in diameter and tails one hundred million miles long.
Among these many comets, there are only about two dozen whose circuit brings them close enough to earth that we can see them. Encke’s comet appears every three years. Biela’s and Brooks comets show up at about seven-year intervals. Halley’s comet, the most well-known, comes within sight at seventy-six-year intervals. It is the only one generally seen without special telescopes.
Halley’s is thought to weigh about six billion tons and is distinct from all the others with its great fiery tail streaking across the sky. During its pathway near the earth, it is an amazing sight and can be seen out on the seas or from open fields and hillsides all across North America, Europe and other countries. It was last seen in February of 1986.
No one seems to know what Halley’s comet is really made of. Some think it is made up of solar dust and gases squeezed tightly together. Others suggest it is a great frozen ball of ice mixed with dust. But whatever it may be, it is evident that as it draws near the sun the intense heat breaks down some of it into great volumes of vapor. This vapor trail, streaking out behind it as a tail millions of miles long and which is exposed to the sun’s brilliance, provides the wonderful exhibit viewed by so many. Actually, only a small part of the comet is drawn off each time, so its life will continue for whatever period of time the Creator has determined for it.
The sun’s gravity keeps Halley’s and other comets in their orbits, drawing them close and then swinging them out great distances into space on precise schedules. This is another example of the wonders of God’s creation, for although the sun determines the orbits, it is God who controls them, just as He controls the uncountable number of stars in space.
As David gazed with wonder at the starry skies, he exclaimed, “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad” (Psalm 96:1111Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. (Psalm 96:11)). “The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the people see His glory” (Psalm 97:66The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. (Psalm 97:6)). When you think of all this grandeur, what does it mean to you? Is the One who made it and controls it your Saviour as well as your Creator? Can you say, “This is my Lord and Saviour. I have put my trust in Him”?
ML-10/20/2002