Did a medieval flying monk spot Halley’s comet, twice? It’s complicated

University of Leicester historian thinks Eilmer of Malmesbury saw two different comets: in 1018 and 1066

See full article...

 

[Albino_Boo]

"Flying monks? In my abbey?"

It's more likely than you think.

The Abbot Beorhtwold II died in a drunken orgy in 1053. I suspect he didn't notice

 

[Albino_Boo]

It didn't even meet the "Just a flesh wound" criteria!

I used to be an adventurer until I jumped off the roof of an Abbey

 

[Albino_Boo]

Also Estes model rockets with mods that would get you 10-15 these days, fun fact- you used to be able to buy tins of blackpowder as a juvenile.....

I am still shocked I have all my fingers.

Survivor bias

 

[Albino_Boo]

There's a small problem with this whole tale. The Anglo-Saxon wooden Abbey wasn't tall enough and the Norman stone Abbey wasn't finished until 1190. No tower to jump off. I know its boring but technically correct is the best kind of correct.