The Great Comet of 1861

Today is the anniversary of the discovery, by John Tebbutt of New South Wales, Australia, of the Great Comet of 1861. Tebbutt was an astronome.

The comet was initially visible only in the southern hemisphere, but then became visible in the northern hemisphere on about June 29th. I find it interesting that word of the commet spread slowly enough that it was sen in the north before it was heard of.

It has been suggested that this comet had been previously sighted in April of 1500 (that comet is now known as C/1500 H1). The comet will return during the 23rd century.

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The book Bright Star by Gary Crew mentions the Great Comet of 1861. I am reading it to 5th graders. The illustrations by Abbe Spudvilas are precious.

By Christa Blum (not verified) on 18 Sep 2012 #permalink

The book Bright Star by Gary Crew mentions The Great Comet 1861. It makes good reading for grade schoolerss.

By Christa Blum (not verified) on 18 Sep 2012 #permalink