A report revisits claims that Eilmer of Malmesbury—known in legend as a medieval monk who allegedly made a flight—may have witnessed Halley’s Comet more than once. The discussion centers on a historian at the University of Leicester, who argues that Eilmer’s accounts could be interpreted as observations of two different comets rather than a single, repeated sighting of Halley’s Comet. One purported sighting is linked to the year 1018, while another is associated with 1066. Ars Technica describes the claim as “complicated,” noting that historical sources are not straightforwardly conclusive. The historian’s position suggests that the records attributed to Eilmer may correspond to different astronomical events, and that matching the surviving descriptions to specific comets requires careful interpretation of dates and observational details. As a result, the story does not settle the question of whether Eilmer saw Halley’s Comet twice. Instead, it highlights how historians weigh limited medieval evidence against modern astronomical backtracking to determine what object was likely observed.
Medieval “flying monk” Eilmer of Malmesbury cited in disputed Halley’s comet claim
A report revisits claims that Eilmer of Malmesbury—known in legend as a medieval monk who allegedly made a flight—may have witnessed Halley’s Comet more than once. The discussion centers on a historia...
- Eilmer of Malmesbury is cited in connection with a claim about comet sightings.
- A University of Leicester historian says Eilmer may have observed two different comets.
- One proposed observation is dated to 1018.
- Another proposed observation is dated to 1066.
- Sources describe the identification as uncertain and requiring careful interpretation.
Did a medieval flying monk spot Halley’s comet, twice? It’s complicated Ars Technica
13 hours agoUniversity of Leicester historian thinks Eilmer of Malmesbury saw two different comets: in 1018 and 1066
13 hours ago
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