Event #21: Broom Star observed in China

The Shih chi (-90) is the only ancient account of this object. It says a “broom star” appeared in the northeastern sky sometime during the month of -154 September 11 to October 10. The northeastern location might indicate it was in the morning sky. J. Williams (1871) wrote that this comet appeared in July, but Ho Peng Yoke (1961) noted that Williams’ text was a mistranslation.

Full moon: September 24

Sources: [Shiji: Xiao Jing ben ji] ch. 11; Ho, (27)

2nd year of the Qianyuan reign period of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty, 8th month; a broom star emerged in the northeast.

155 BC, September, China, a broom star comet was seen at the northeast.

154 BC Aug/Sep [China] Emperor Ching-ti, Ch’ien-yuan reign-period, 3rd year, 7th month. “In the N sky there was a red object like a mat. It was more than 10 chang in length. Some said that it was a red vapour; others said that the sky had been split apart.” (Han-shu, 26)

NB: Ho (1962) lacked both records.