Comets, War, and Love

ByCarl Zimmer
September 13, 2008

Philosopher Kate Devitt writes, “I started my undergraduate degree in the history and philosophy of science. For our second wedding anniversary, my beloved proposed getting matching shooting star tattoos to immortalize our first date under the night sky. The Halley’s comet design from the Bayeux tapestry was a perfect way to celebrate.”

Carl: The Bayeux Tapestry includes a picture of Halley’s comet (see below in the lower right corner). But its subject was not love, but the Norman Conquest, which just so happened to coincide with a visit from the comet.

tapestry600.jpg

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