Lacock Abbey,
24 March 1843

Dear Sir

This evening the weather being serene we observed the Comet ^<1> for the first time, but could not see the nucleus – The tail extended about 10° or 15° further than Rigel, ^<2> and passed 3° or 4° below that star – It was very faint, & I conclude its splendour has gone off considerably in the space of a single week since its first discovery – Its breadth was small, only from 1° to 2°. At the same time a great mass of nebulous light appeared in the West, which some considered an aurora, & some the remains of daylight. Whatever it was, its appearance was certainly unusual & it may possibly have been connected with the comet – It extended entirely up to the Pleides and involved them in its nebularity.

Yours very truly
H. F. Talbot

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Notes:

1. The Great Comet of 1843.

2. Rigel is the brightest star of the Orion constellation.