Lists of comets

Non-periodic comets are seen only once. They are usually on near-parabolic orbits that will not return to the vicinity of the Sun for thousands of years, if ever.

Coin showing Caesar's Comet as a star with eight rays, tail upward

Periodic comets usually have elongated elliptical orbits, and usually return to the vicinity of the Sun after a number of decades.

The official names of non-periodic comets begin with a "C"; the names of periodic comets begin with "P" or a number followed by "P". Comets that have been lost or disappeared have names with a "D". Comets whose orbit has not been determined are designated with a "X" prefix.

Lists

• List of comets by type
• List of comets visited by spacecraft
• List of comets with no meaningful orbit
• List of Great Comets
• List of Halley-type comets
• List of hyperbolic comets
• List of long-period comets
• List of near-parabolic comets
• List of numbered comets
• List of periodic comets

See also

• Lists of astronomical objects
• Comet vintages

External links

• Bright Comet Chronicles
• 1994 Resolution about comet names
• Comets currently above mag. 12 - Heavens-Above