Halley's comet

A 11th-century Benedictine monk, Eilmer, attempted flight using wings made of willow wood and cloth, gliding 600 feet before breaking both legs. He reportedly saw Halley's comet in 1066, with some historians suggesting he may have also seen it in 989, though others propose a different comet in 1018. William of Malmesbury documented Eilmer's flight and comet sighting in the 12th century.

A medieval monk named Eilmer of Malmesbury may have discovered Halley's Comet nearly 700 years before Edmond Halley, sparking debate over whether the comet should be renamed. Eilmer recognized the comet in 1066 as the same one he witnessed in 989. This discovery is reevaluating the history of astronomy's greatest discoveries.

The Lyrid meteor shower is currently visible and will peak Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with 10-20 shooting stars per hour expected. The dim crescent moon won't interfere, and the best viewing is in the Northern Hemisphere. The shower originates from debris left by comet Thatcher, visible annually as Earth passes through its trail.