Researchers say the famous comet known as Halley's Comet may have been identified as a repeating object centuries before British astronomer Edmond Halley gave it his name. According to new research involving Professor Simon Portegies Zwart, an English monk named Eilmer of Malmesbury appears to have recognized that the same comet returned to the skies decades apart during the 11th century.

The discovery comes from accounts written by the 12th century historian William of Malmesbury. Although scholars have long known about the writings, researchers say the significance of the descriptions was overlooked until now. Portegies Zwart and researcher Lewis argue that the monk, also known as Aethelmaer, witnessed the comet during two separate appearances and understood they were connected events.

Their work appears in the book 'Dorestad and Everything After.…