The Digital Press

This collection showcases nearly a thousand years of artistic depictions of comets, meteors, meteorites, and shooting stars from various historical sources.

The big picture: It traces humanity's evolving understanding and artistic portrayal of celestial phenomena across centuries.

Why it matters: These images reveal cultural and scientific responses to astronomical events before modern science.

Quick takeaway: The archive includes rare illustrations from manuscripts, treatises, and tapestries spanning the 10th to 20th centuries.

Commenters say: Many appreciate the rich historical context and artistic variety, noting the blend of myth, fear, and early scientific curiosity.