Donati’s Comet

Forums Comets Donati’s / Great Comet of 1858 Donati’s Comet

#577192
Jeremy Shears
Participant

That’s a very nice find, James. I am glad it will find a place on your wall. Donati’s was certainly one of the most impressive comets of the 19th century. It probably stimulated an astronomical interest in many people. Dr. Thomas David Anderson (1853-1932) and Col. E.E. Markwick (1853 – 1925) both mention it as their first astronomical recollection, being shown it when they were 5 years old. The former went on to discover several novae and the latter became the second Director of the VSS and BAA President.

Jeremy