Articles – The Garden Astronomer

The Great Comet of 1861: When Earth Grazed a Comet’s Tail

The Great Comet of 1861 stunned the world as Earth passed through its tail. Discover how a farmer-astronomer and Civil War witnesses saw history.

Uncover the mystery of the Great Comet of 1744. From its six-tailed fan to inspiring a young Charles Messier, relive the dawn that changed astronomy.

Explore Donati’s Comet of 1858—its historic observations, first photographs, and global impact, from Florence skies to Abraham Lincoln’s gaze.

Eyewitness accounts of the rare 1913 Great Meteor Procession, a slow-moving fireball display across Canada, Bermuda, and the South Atlantic.

Watch the Quadrantids meteor shower peak in early January. Explore its history, origins, and the fleeting brilliance of winter’s skies.

A reflective journey through the Ursid meteor shower, blending observations, modern astronomy, and December night skies.

The Geminids peak Dec 13–14, 2025! Learn the history behind the shower, viewing tips, and it unique colors.

Explore Savannah’s Troup Square, where a bronze armillary sphere meets history, James Lord Pierpont, and the story behind “Jingle Bells.”