famous comets – The Garden Astronomer

The Great January Comet of 1910: Daylight Comet Steals Halley’s Year

Black and white photo of the Great January Comet of 1910 showing long tail by C.O. Lampland

Before Halley’s Comet arrived, a dazzling visitor lit the sky. Explore the story of the Great January Comet of 1910, the famous Daylight Comet.

Shattered by the Sun: The Great Comet of 1882

Discover the Great Comet of 1882: a brilliant sungrazer that split apart. Explore its impact on astronomy and the early life of observer E.E. Barnard.

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

Landscape drawing showing Comet of 1861 by E. Weiß.

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.