The comet was photographed on September 28, 1858, at Harvard College Observatory by George P. Bond, son of William C. Bond, director of the observatory. Source
Donati's Comet was one of the brightest to be seen in the 19th century and was the first to be photographed (by G.P.Bond and others). It was discovered by the Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista Donati (1826-1873). Read more
The appearance of the comet of Donati in 1858 made a lasting impression on Houston S. Chamberlain, then 3 years old, and he became interested in astronomy for the rest of his life. His last home in Bayreuth had an observatory on its rooftop. The comet will return in 3898 - if it doesn't get lost somewhere in space. Read more
Comet Donati, or Donati's Comet, formally designated C/1858 L1 and 1858 VI, is a long-period comet named after the Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista Donati who first observed it on June 2, 1858. After the Great Comet of 1811, it was the most brilliant comet that appeared in the 19th century. It was also the first comet to be photographed. Read more
Comet Donati, or Donati's Comet, formally designated C/1858 L1 and 1858 VI, is a long-period comet named after the Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista Donati who first observed it on June 2, 1858. After the Great Comet of 1811, it was the most brilliant comet that appeared in the 19th century. It was also the first comet to be photographed (on the on 28 September 1858). Read more