The Digital Press

Two famous Kreutz sungrazing comets, C/1843 D1 and C/1882 R1, have been reexamined by studying their previous perihelion appearances in 1106 and 1138. This analysis clarifies their visibility conditions, fragmentation, and tail behavior during past returns.

Why it matters: Understanding these sungrazers' histories helps explain their visibility and fragmentation patterns near the Sun.

The big picture: Differences in distance, timing, and viewing angles affect how these comets appeared during previous perihelion passages.

The stakes: Misconceptions about ground visibility of sungrazers between mid-May and mid-August could hinder correct historical comet identification.

Quick takeaway: The 1138 comet likely fragmented into five major pieces, including notable descendants C/1882 R1 and C/1965 S1.