Comet observations, 16th century
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Comet observations, 16th century
Comet observations. 16th-century artwork of five comets and their appearance in the night sky. This woodcut is from De cometis dissertationes novae (1580) by the Swiss physician and theologian Thomas Erastus (1524-1583). This work was part of an extensive debate about comets taking place among scholars in Europe at the time. This debate was prompted by the comet of 1577-8, with Erastus arguing that comets could not cause pestilence as was popularly believed. It is now known that comets are icy bodies from the outer solar system that boil and form a bright tail of gas and dust as they approach the Sun
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Media ID 6340255
© Todd-White Art Photography
1500s 16th Century Book Comet Cometary Comets Observing Page Quintet Solar System Swiss Tail Tails 1580 Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the 16th century, offering a glimpse into the world of comet observations. The artwork, created by Thomas Erastus, showcases five comets and their mesmerizing appearance in the night sky. As a Swiss physician and theologian, Erastus contributed significantly to the extensive debate surrounding comets among European scholars during that era. The inspiration for this debate stemmed from the comet of 1577-8, which sparked widespread fear as it was believed to cause pestilence. However, Erastus challenged this popular belief by asserting that comets could not be responsible for such calamities. His work shed light on the true nature of these celestial bodies - icy entities originating from the outer solar system. As they approached closer to the Sun, they would boil and form magnificent tails composed of gas and dust. This monochrome illustration serves as an invaluable piece of historical astronomical research. It allows us to delve into a significant moment in history when scholars grappled with understanding cometary phenomena. The intricate details captured within this art piece transport us back in time while reminding us how far our knowledge has progressed since then. Todd-White Art Photography presents this remarkable print from Science Photo Library, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to appreciate both scientific exploration and artistic expression intertwined seamlessly within one frame.
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