One of the brightest comets of the 17th century, the "Great comet of 1680, (C/1680 V1), is first spotted by German astronomer Gottfried Kirch, using a telescope on November 14, 1680. It is now known as Kirch's Comet.
It was visible with the naked eye by early December and was particularly brilliant between December 19 and 25. it was the first comet discovered using a telescope. It was visible throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. It captured the public imagination and was of great scientific significance for astronomers like Isaac Newton and Edmond Halley.