The Chonkerton

Did a medieval flying monk spot Halley's comet, twice? It's complicated

science

A medieval monk named Eilmer of Malmesbury may have witnessed not just one comet, but two—and according to a University of Leicester historian, the records traditionally attributed to sightings of Halley's Comet actually describe two separate celestial visitors. Eilmer likely spotted a different comet in 1018, and then possibly saw Halley's in 1066. The discovery challenges centuries-old assumptions about which comets earned their place in historical records.

Source: https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/06/did-a-medieval-fl...

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