Recently, I saw an online post of a memorial road marker dedicated to Dr. William Brooks and his Red House Observatory in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Brooks discovered 11 comets, and his community rallied around recognizing his achievements with a marker, once it was discovered that his observatory was known by only a hole in the ground where it once stood and overgrowth. But Brooks was only the second-greatest discoverer of comets.
The greatest discoverer of comets in world history was Leslie Peltier, from Allen County near Delphos, who discovered 12 comets. My research discovers that Peltier first did astronomy from the family farm near the intersection of Ridge Road and Buettner Road. I know of no memorials to Peltier, just a pastoral, pretty rural setting of his humble beginnings on the banks of the Auglaize River.
Duiring the solar eclipse, also be on the lookout for comets that are near the sun. If we’re lucky, one may be visible during totality; keep up with news of comets currently in the sky to prepare. If you see one, remember Peltier and his many astronomical contributions.
Hopefully, our astronomy and history buffs will step up to the task of recognizing Peltier; he has been too long forgotten, especially right here at home.
Kevin Blake
Fort Jennings
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