What aspect of Messier's comet hunting often prevented him from receiving sole credit for discoveries?
Answer
Comet appearances were frequently shared, appearing across Europe nearly simultaneously.
Although Messier was successful in discovering or co-discovering several comets, the nature of early telescopic observation meant that achieving singular credit was challenging. Because observational techniques were improving across Europe, it was common for multiple independent observers to spot the same swift-moving comet around the same time. This widespread simultaneous detection meant that Messier often had to share credit for his discoveries, which tempered the immediate glory he sought compared to being the sole discoverer.
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