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India.com
24-06-2025
- Science
- India.com
India's First Record Of Halley's Comet Found In 1456 Copper Plate, A Discovery That's Rewriting History!
What if a mysterious comet lighting up the skies centuries ago was not only seen but documented, in metal? In an extraordinary revelation, a 15th-century copper plate inscription discovered at the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, has unveiled India's first known epigraphic reference to Halley's Comet. Dated June 28, 1456 CE, this ancient document from the Vijayanagara Empire is changing how we understand India's engagement with astronomy. A Cosmic Phenomenon Recorded in Time Etched into the durable copper plate is a legal land grant issued by Vijayanagara king Mallikarjuna, addressed to a Vedic scholar. Amid the royal decrees and religious declarations, historians noticed something stunning: a mention of a brilliant celestial object visible in the sky. Astronomers quickly matched this to Halley's Comet, which made a dramatic appearance in the summer of 1456, documented across Europe and Asia. Its timing aligned perfectly with the inscription's Indian calendar date of śaka 1378, dhātr̥ āṣāḍha ba. 11, which converts to the exact day Halley's Comet dazzled the skies. More Than Just Myth: From Vedas to Verified Science Ancient Indian scriptures like the Ṛigveda, Atharvaveda, and Bṛhat Saṃhitā have metaphorically referenced comets, often seen as harbingers or omens. However, this inscription marks the first direct and date-specific mention of an actual cometary event, verified by modern astronomical data. Written in classical Telugu and Sanskrit, the document represents a blend of science, religion, and governance, where even the sky was recorded in the legal chronicles of the empire. Why This Discovery Matters This is not just a historical curiosity. It proves that medieval Indian scholars were observing and noting celestial events with startling accuracy. The fact that such an observation made its way into a royal land grant hints at the comet's perceived importance, possibly symbolic, possibly superstitious, but undeniably scientific. Moreover, this copper plate showcases the scientific sophistication of the Vijayanagara era, which not only had a strong cultural and political legacy but also possessed a surprisingly refined grasp of astronomical phenomena. A Testament to Ancient India's Skywatchers The copper plate does more than document a grant, it offers a window into a time when astronomy and governance coexisted. The knowledge that this wasn't just a passing visual but something chronicled in official inscriptions points to a systematic tradition of astronomical record-keeping that historians are only now beginning to appreciate. This discovery is a reminder of India's rich scientific heritage and how the observational brilliance of its ancient scholars could match, and sometimes exceed, that of their global counterparts. Rewriting the Sky's Footnotes The "Pharaoh's Curse" may have given us potential cancer cures, but India's 15th-century sky watchers have given us something equally profound, a comet's trail through time, etched in copper and confirmed by modern science. As we continue to explore the cosmos with telescopes and satellites, it's humbling to realise that centuries ago, scholars without such tools were still watching, recording, and wondering, just like us. This single inscription doesn't just add to India's history; it connects the stars across centuries, reminding us that curiosity about the universe is the most ancient legacy of all.
News18
21-06-2025
- Science
- News18
600-Year-Old Inscription Found In Andhra Temple Refers To Sighting Of Halley's Comet
Last Updated: The discovery comes from a 15th-century Vijayanagara copper plate inscription, dated June 28, 1456 CE A remarkable archaeological discovery at the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam, present-day Andhra Pradesh, has seemingly revealed India's earliest known epigraphic mention of Halley's Comet. This discovery comes from a 15th-century Vijayanagara copper plate inscription, dated June 28, 1456 CE. The copper plate inscription records a land grant by Vijayanagara king Mallikarjuna to a Vedic scholar, says a report in The New Indian Express. What makes this inscription exceptional is its detailed reference to a bright celestial object visible at the time, which historians and astronomers have identified as Halley's Comet. Astronomical data confirms that Halley's Comet was spectacularly visible during the summer of 1456, marking one of its historically significant apparitions observed in Europe and Asia. The inscription's date corresponds to Śaka 1378, dhātr̥ āṣāḍha ba. 11 in the Indian calendar, which translates to Monday, June 28, 1456 CE, matching the comet's known appearance. While ancient Indian texts like the Rigveda, Atharvaveda, and Brihat Samhita contained metaphorical references to comets, none offered a specific date for an actual astronomical event. This Srisailam inscription is the earliest concrete epigraphic reference to Halley's Comet in India, providing evidence of its observation and the cultural importance ascribed to it during the Vijayanagara period. Written in classical Telugu with parts in Sanskrit, the inscription follows the traditional copper plate grant format of the time. Including the astronomical event alongside details of the land grant indicates that such celestial phenomena were significant enough to be recorded in legal, religious, and administrative documents. The inscription notes that the land grant was made to Vedic scholar and astronomer Limgaṇarya to counteract the perceived negative effects of the comet's appearance and an associated meteor shower, reflecting the ruler's concern for his kingdom's well-being. Halley's Comet, last seen in 1986, is expected to return in 2061. First Published: June 22, 2025, 04:12 IST
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
1st Indian reference to Halley's Comet in Sanskrit inscription
HYDERABAD: In what is being described as a rare epigraphical discovery, the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) epigraphy division has found the first known Indian inscription referring to the appearance of Halley's Comet. It was found in a Sanskrit copper plate charter dated 1456 CE from Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, during the reign of Vijayanagara King Mallikarjuna. The inscription, engraved in Nagari script, clearly mentions a celestial phenomenon involving a comet and a subsequent meteor shower, ASI epigraphy director K Muniratnam Reddy said. It records a land grant in the form of a village made by the Vijayanagara ruler Mallikarjuna to a Vedic scholar on Saka 1378, Dhatru Ashadha ba 11, corresponding to Monday, June 28, 1456 CE. The vedic scholar, a brahman named Limganarya, was from Kadiyalapura - likely present-day Kadiyapulanka in Kadapa district - and known for his expertise in astronomy. The donation was made "in order to pacify the great calamity that is believed to arise due to the appearance of a comet (Dhumaketu mahotpata santyartham)" and its meteor shower (Prakasyaya mahotpata santyartham)," said Reddy. "From several historical records across the world, it is known that the appearance of Halley's Comet in 1456 CE was interpreted as a bad omen," said Reddy.
Indianapolis Star
05-05-2025
- Science
- Indianapolis Star
What's the best time to see the Aquarids meteor shower? When and how to watch
The ETA Aquarids, one of the most anticipated meteor showers known for sending fiery balls of space debris flying across the sky, is set to peak this week. The Aquarids (also sometimes spelled Aquardiis) meteors are created by debris left behind by the famous Halley's Comet that then fall to Earth, creating "shooting stars" that leave long glowing trails behind. The meteor shower is one of the best astronomical viewing events of the year and can be seen across the globe, though those in the Southern Hemisphere are treated to the best view. Luckily, the event can still be seen from every U.S. state, giving stargazers one final chance to watch a shower until the next expected one in July. Here's what to know about the ETA Aquarids meteor shower, including what time to look up. When is the ETA Aquarids meteor shower peaking? The Aquarids, which first became active April 19, are due to peak between May 5 and May 6 as Earth passes through the densest part of Halley's cosmic debris, according to the American Meteor Society. While the meteors won't be as bright or dazzling after the peak, stargazers should still be able to catch some of the light show until about May 28. What time can I see the Aquarids meteors? Like all meteor showers, the Aquarids are best viewed during the dark hours between midnight and dawn. According to NASA's Watch the Skies blog, the best time to view the peak starts at 2 a.m. on May 6 and lasts until dawn. Time and Date also provides detailed information about where and when to see the phenomenon based on your specific location. How to See the Eta Aquarids The Aquarids should be visible around the globe, anywhere in the sky, assuming clouds and a bright moon do not obscure the view. However, the meteors are best seen from the Southern Hemisphere. This is because the meteors seem to emerge, or radiate, from the constellation Aquarius, which is higher up in the sky in the Southern Hemisphere than it is in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, ETA Aquarid meteors appear as what NASA refers to as "Earthgrazers," or long meteors that appear to skim the surface of the Earth at the horizon. Some more tips for getting a better look from NASA and Date and Time include: Find a viewing spot away from cities' light pollution and street lights. Get there in advance to settle and give your eyes time to adjust, which can take 15 to 30 minutes. Lie down on the ground and look at the sky. You can use Date and Time's Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map or the table above to find the direction of the radiant to look towards. Bring a blanket, chair, comfortable clothes and maybe some snacks or drinks. Catching a meteor shower can be a waiting game. If the moon is out, look at areas of the sky away from the moon to prevent its light from washing out the show. Know the peak time and how many meteors you can expect to see per hour. You can check EarthSky's meteor guide for that information. What is the ETA Aquarids meteor shower? Most meteor showers are the result of Earth passing through debris left by comets, explains NASA. These broken-up meteoritic materials fall to Earth and burn up in Earth's atmosphere, creating what we know as "shooting stars." This happens daily (NASA scientists estimate that 48.5 tons of material fall on Earth each day), and if you watch closely, you should be able to see a few per hour on an average night. When the number of meteors entering Earth's atmosphere increases significantly, that's what's called a meteor shower. Meteor showers are usually named after a star or constellation closest to where the meteors appear in the sky; in this case, Aquarius. The debris that makes the ETA Aquarids meteors come from Halley's Comet, which can only be seen from Earth once every roughly 76 years (the next time will be 2061). When it returns to the inner solar system, it leaves behind the rocky dust that eventually creates the ETA Aquarids meteor shower each May and the Orionids every October.
Boston Globe
30-04-2025
- Science
- Boston Globe
Debris from Halley's Comet will streak across the night sky as Aquarids meteor shower next week
Because the Eta Aquarids are rather swift meteors, traveling at 40.7 miles per second into the Earth's atmosphere, they can also leave glowing dust trains — incandescent bits of debris — in their wake. Advertisement According to NASA, the Aquarids are also among those meteors called 'earthgrazers' because they are long and appear to skim the Earth's surface at the horizon. 'A first quarter moon (or half moon) will set long before the radiant rises so circumstances are excellent for viewing this shower,' the American Meteor Society said. Despite its famous origins, this meteor shower won't necessarily be 'better' than others. 'It's a neat connection to a famous comet, but in terms of spectacle, this meteor shower is neither better nor worse than others,' said Paul Withers, a Boston University astronomy professor. They produce a high percentage of persistent dust trains, but few fireballs, according to the American Meteor Society. Halley's Comet, the first comet recognized as having a repeating orbit around the sun, was last seen in Earth's skies in 1986 and will return in 2061 on its regular 76-year journey around the sun. Advertisement In a photo from NASA, Halley's comet is seen during its closest approach to the inner solar system in 1986. NASA/NYT According to NASA, a comet the size of Halley's Comet loses an estimated 3 to 10 feet of material from the surface of its nucleus with each orbit around the sun. How to view a meteor shower Multiple meteor showers occur annually, and you don't need special equipment to see them. Although visible from dusk to dawn, experts say the best time to view them is from midnight till sunrise. For the best chance to see them, take a sleeping bag or lawn chair and find a spot far from light pollution. 'Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors,' according to NASA. Experts caution that it could take some time before you catch a glimpse of the meteor shower, but say it's well worth the wait. And time is on your side since the show lasts until dawn. 'With meteor showers, patience is key. Bring a blanket, head somewhere dark, and expect to wait between sightings,' said Ryan French, a solar astrophysicist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado. 'You might see 10 notable meteors in an hour.' Weather forecast It's still too early to forecast cloud cover May 5-6, but we do have some idea of the conditions that could be in place. A pocket of high pressure is likely to be near New England, although it remains to be seen whether that area will push far enough south to clear out the clouds for much of the region and bump an offshore storm. Advertisement As of now, we can expect at least partly cloudy skies across New England, with the chance for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut to be closer to mostly cloudy. Lows across New England Monday night are likely to slip to the low and mid-40s. Up next: Perseid Meteor Shower, peaking Aug. 12-13 If you miss the Aquarid meteor shower, you will have another opportunity to marvel at sand-sized comet debris busting through Earth's atmosphere and lighting up the night's sky, with the arrival of the popular Perseid meteor shower, which peaks Aug. 12-13. 'The two best meteor showers of the year are the Perseids in August and the Geminids in December, both of which tend to be brighter and more active,' said French. Every Perseid meteor is a tiny piece of the comet Swift-Tuttle, which swings by the sun every 135 years. Perseids meteors streak over Sequoia National Forest in 2023. Preston Dyches/NASA The Perseids are active from July 14 to Sept. 1 each year but reach a 'strong maximum' Aug. 12-13, according to the American Meteor Society. You can see 50 to 75 meteors per hour in rural areas. If you live in a big city, those numbers are drastically lower due to light pollution limiting the number of meteors you can see. Marianne Mizera can be reached at
