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.

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

This article includes an astronomy-related list of lists.