An 11th century monk solved the cycle of the famous comet 600 years ago Halley – discovery

As it turns out, British astronomer and mathematician Edmond Halley was not the first person to understand the period of the famous comet that now bears his name. This conclusion was confirmed in research conducted by Professor Simon Portegis Zwart, reports Leiden University.

The monk Aylmer of Malmesbury connected two observations of comets in the 11th century. Aylmer witnessed the appearance of a comet in 989 and 1066, a fact recorded by the 12th-century chronicler William of Malmesbury. Scientists believe that it was Aylmer who first accurately recognized the comet's cycle by linking its two appearances.

The results of their research were published in the book “Dorestad and everything that happened after. Ports, townscapes and tourists in Europe, 800–1100″ (‘Dorestad and everything after. Ports, townscapes and tourists in Europe, 800–1100’).

Give the comet another name?

Halley is known to have determined the period of comet 1P/Halley, observed in 1531, 1607 and 1682. He discovered that it was the same comet that returned every 76 years. However, back in 1066, the comet was observed in China for more than two months, reaching its maximum brightness on April 22. The comet was first discovered in the British Isles on April 24, 1066, and was described in the famous Bayeux Tapestry.

Comet is considered a harbinger of various disasters. The monk Aylmer, already elderly, noted that he had seen the same comet in the year 989. He also connected its appearance with important events of his time.

Researchers believe Halley's Comet should be given a different name because it was discovered centuries ago.

Therefore, the new discovery of Aylmer's connection with Halley's comet requires a reconsideration of some established historical hypotheses and can become the basis for further scientific research in the field of astronomy and history.