The year is 2061. Ordinary astronomy enthusiasts and expert astrophysicists alike flock to the darkest, darkest corners of the Earth to witness the return of what it is probably the most famous near-planet Earth object in history. This famous event is known as the perihelion of Halley's comet, and although its observation dates back to at least 239 BC, the man responsible for accurately analyzing its repeated events and calculating its seventy-five year orbit is none other than Edmond Halley. A human wonder of the scientific revolution, Edmond Halley's contributions to the field of physics are unprecedented. His work has left a lasting impression on the way we, not only as physics students but also as human beings, see the world and the vast expanse of the universe beyond. Edmond Halley was born on November 8, 1656 to parents Gracey Halley and Edmond Halley Sr. in Haggerston, Shoreditch, England. Halley's father was a prominent soap manufacturer in London and brought great wealth to his family. Halley noted his deep interest in astronomy at an early age, stating that it gave him "pleasure so great that it is impossible to explain to anyone who has not experienced it." His interest in astronomy was likely the result of his growing up during a period of widespread scientific and mathematical advances known as the Scientific Revolution. It was during this period of rapid scientific enlightenment that some of the most renowned scientists emerged, including John Kepler, Galileo Galilei, and Nicolaus Copernicus. The Scientific Revolution and the thinkers who promoted it undoubtedly fostered Halley's early passion for the sciences. Although much of their wealth was lost in the Great Fire of London, the H...... .org/content/16/179-191/563.full.pdf>.Hammond, Chuck. "Edmond Halley." Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics. Wichita State University. Network. March 25, 2014. .Howell, Elizabeth. "Halle'ys Comet: Facts About the Most Famous Comet." Space. TechMedia Network, February 20, 2013. Web. March 25, 2014. .Mallin, SRC Edmond Halley - Geophysicist. London: Royal Astronomical Society, 1993. Web. .O'Connor, J. J. "Edmond Halley." Turnbull. University of Saint Andrews, n.d. Web. March 25, 2014. "Sextant." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster and Web. March 25. 2014. .