An article on PlanetSave.com about a recently discovered comet describes it as being similar in nature to one seen in the 17th century that was described by Eusebio Kino, before he was assigned to travel to to the area now known as Sonora, Arizona, and California. Ironically, Kino’s observations of the “The Great Comet of 1680” were made after he missed his ship to “New Spain” and had a year-long wait for the next one.
PlanetSave quotes British astronomer David Whitehouse:
“While the Kirch Comet of 1680-1681 was discovered and subsequently named for Gottfried Kirch, credit must also be given to Eusebio Kino, the Spaniard Jesuit priest who charted the comet’s course. During his delayed departure for Mexico, Kino began his observations of the comet in Cadíz in late 1680. Upon his arrival in Mexico City, he published his Exposisión Astronomica de el cometa in which he presented his findings. Kino’s Exposisión astronómica is among the earliest scientific treatises published by an European in the New World.”
In addition to the extensive list of missions Kino founded, he had quite a reputation as an astronomer, mathematician, and map-maker.
Comet Nearing The Earth In 2013 May Be Brighter Than The Moon, Researchers Say | PlanetSave.