High Middle Ages · Europe · Science

1066

Halley's Comet appears over Europe

April 24, 1066

The periodic comet blazed for weeks above England and Normandy in the spring of the conquest year. Astronomers east and west recorded it. English chroniclers saw an omen of doom. William of Normandy called it a sign of victory. The Bayeux Tapestry would sew it as a streaking star above Harold.

More from 1066 High Middle Ages

In context

Also in 1066 (8 other events on record)

Battle of Hastings · Europe · War
William the Conqueror crowned at Westminster · Europe · Politics
Death of Edward the Confessor · Europe · Politics
Harold Godwinson crowned King of England · Europe · Politics
Battle of Stamford Bridge · Europe · War
William of Normandy lands at Pevensey · Europe · War

Before and after in Europe

Before: December 28, 1065: Consecration of Westminster Abbey
After: 1067: Norman castles rising across England

Before and after in Science

Before: 1060: Song China's Population Surpasses One Hundred Million
After: 1072: Shen Kuo Begins Astronomical Observations for the Song Court

Era

High Middle Ages (1000–1300), one of 1,306 events from that era on Saeculum.