brightest comet

It is not possible from records available to judge whether any particular comet can be considered the brightest. Since brilliant comets are greatly extended objects in the sky, putting a precise figure on their brightness is almost impossible. The impression gained of a comet is subjective and will depend on how long a tail it develops, and whether it is visible in a truly dark sky. The brightest comets of the 20th century have been the Great Daylight Comet of 1910, Halley's Comet at its 1910 apparition, Skjellerup-Maristany (1927), Bennett (1970), West (1976), Hale-Bopp (1997). The brightest comets of the 19th century seem to have been the 'Great Comets' of 1811, 1861, and 1882. Earlier comets of special note for exceptional brilliance were recorded in 1743, 1577, 1471 and 1402. The closest and most brilliant return ever made by Halley's comet was in 837.