Tribute to scientist who made comet discovery

Tomorrow marks the 230th anniversary of the discovery of Comet Piggot by Edward Piggot, from York.

Mr Piggot worked with John Goodricke from 1781-1786 and together they become the “Fathers of Variable Star Astronomy”.

Martin Lunn, a former curator of astronomy at the Yorkshire Museum in York, said: “During this short window of time on November 19, 1783, Edward Piggot found the only comet to have been discovered from York. “This is the 230th anniversary of this comet discovery.

“Edward Piggot was in York because his father was trying to con the Fairfax family out of their home at Gilling Castle at Ampleforth, in what is now North Yorkshire.

Earlier, while in Wales he had discovered a new galaxy in the sky. Today this is known as the Black Eye galaxy.

“The pair were over 200 years ahead of their time with their
ideas, they became extremely good at learning the positions of the stars.

“They were true scientists.

“They not only made observations and discoveries but tried to explain them,” Mr Lunn added.