Comet C/1861 J1 (the "Great Comet of…
May 1861 CE
The Great Comet of 1861, formally designated C/1861 J1 and 1861 II, is a long-period comet that is visible to the naked eye for approximately three months.
It is discovered by John Tebbutt of Windsor, New South Wales, Australia, with an apparent magnitude of +4, a month before perihelion (June 12).
It will not be visible in the northern hemisphere until June 29, but it will arrive before word of the comet's discovery.