The Great Comet of 1861, officially designated C/1861 J1, was a bright comet that became visible to the naked eye in the summer of 1861. It was discovered by the American astronomer John Tebbutt in Australia and reached its peak brightness in July of that year. The comet's tail extended for millions of kilometers, making it a spectacular sight in the night sky. This comet was notable for its long duration of visibility, lasting several months. It was observed from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, allowing many people to witness its beauty. The Great Comet of 1861 contributed to the growing interest in astronomy during the 19th century.