Edmond Halley

In the year 1456... a Comet was seen passing Retrograde between the Earth and the sun... Hence I dare venture to foretell that it will return again in the year 1758.

Scarce any problem will appear more hard and difficult, than that of determining the distance of the Sun from the Earth very near the truth: but even this... will without much labour be effected.

This sight... is by far the noblest astronomy affords.