Halley’s Comet is named after the British astronomer Edmond Halley, who figured out its orbit in 1705. He collected data from his observations and records from others. But recently, researchers say that he wasn’t the first to recognize its recurring presence near Earth. Eilmer, an English monk from Malmesbury, likely connected the dots more than 600 years earlier.
Eilmer is famous not just for his astronomical insights, but for attempting flight. Inspired by the myth of Icarus, he made wings and jumped from a tower around the year 1000. According to a historian named William of Malmesbury, Eilmer glided for about 660 feet before a gust sent him crashing down, breaking both legs. His fascination with both flight and astronomy influenced his life significantly.
In 989, Eilmer witnessed a comet. Many years later, in 1066, he saw it again and realized it was the same one. Simon Portegies Zwart, an astronomer from Leiden University, explains that Eilmer expressed concern about the comet portending trouble for England, which was in political turmoil after King Edward’s death.
Halley’s Comet is unique. It was the first comet recognized to return periodically, appearing roughly every 72 to 80 years. Its elongated orbit allows it to leave a bright trail of dust as it sweeps past the sun. The earliest record of Halley’s Comet is from a Chinese chronicle dating back to 239 B.C. Over time, it’s been seen by many cultures, often viewed as an omen. For example, Jewish historian Flavius Josephus thought a sighting in A.D. 66 signaled the fall of Jerusalem.
Halley tracked the comet’s appearances in 1531, 1607, and 1682, predicting its return in 1758. He passed away in 1742 but was proven right when the comet reappeared as expected. However, Portegies Zwart argues that Eilmer deserves some credit for linking the comet’s early sightings much earlier.
With insights from researchers and historical context, the legacy of both Halley and Eilmer adds depth to our understanding. If you want to see Halley’s Comet (or Eilmer’s Comet) for yourself, mark your calendar for its next pass in late July 2061!
