Observation of the tail of comet C/1743 X1 by Jean-Philippe Loys de Cheseaux on the mornings of 8 and 9 March 1744, from 1744. Traitè de la Comete qui a Paru en Decembre 1743 & en Janvier, Fevrier & Mars 1744. Lausanne, Marc-Michel Bousquet & Compagnie., my scan/collection.
Observation of the tail of comet C/1743 X1 by Jean-Philippe Loys de Cheseaux on the mornings of 8 and 9 March 1744, from 1744. Traitè de la Comete qui a Paru en Decembre 1743 & en Janvier, Fevrier & Mars 1744. Lausanne, Marc-Michel Bousquet & Compagnie., my scan/collection.
"THE GREAT COMET C/1743 X1: POSSIBLE IDENTIFICATION IN HISTORIC RECORDS OF 1402, 1032, 676, and 336"
Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 28(1), 29 – 49 (2025).
Abstract:
"The great comet of 1744, C/1743 X1, is notable for its brightness, which enabled it to be seen close to the Sun during the day and exhibit an impressive tail. One of the first orbit calculators, O. P. Hiorter, had
already noted the comet's resemblance to the great daylight comet C/1402 D1. This was later supported by H. W. M. Olbers and J. Holetschek. This work re-evaluates the historic astrometry and shows that the data are fully compatible with the identity first suggested by Hiorter. Based on a tentative link of both apparitions, we show that the comets of 1032, 676, and possibly of 336 are also fully compatible with this comet based on the comparison with the historic records. We present a prediction for the next perihelion passage, which might occur at the end of 2097."
Finally! The paper is out!
Want to see a naked eye daylight comet? Mark your calendars for 2097! At least if the "ancestry line" given in the paper is correct. Sadly, I won't live to see it. Would I bet my money? I'd say yes.
www.sciengine.com/JAHH/doi/10....
☄️🔭 #CometWatch #histsci #histastro
![Large folding map of the paths of the three comets of 1618 against the stars, engraving, unsigned, in De tribus cometis anni M.DC.XVIII: Disputatio astronomica, by [Orazio Grassi], 1619 (Linda Hall Library)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ov7p255uq3ojybx6f6n7b2ir/bafkreicdw2iav3zodimym3yozpyrbx5bvrremlhkbqqllhto3o4fuuyct4)