Biela, Wilhelm (1782–1856)

Austrian army officer and amateur astronomer. On 27 February 1826 he discovered a faint comet that has become known by his name, although it had been seen before, in 1772 and 1805.

The period of the comet was 6.8 years, but its orbit was subject to large perturbations by Jupiter. The comet was seen again 1832 and 1846 when it was observed to split into two. Both parts returned 1852, but were more widely separated. Neither has been seen since, though at the time of the expected return 1872 there was a wonderful display of meteors 27 November. This shower of meteors, called the Andromedids or Bielids, has been repeated with varying intensity each year around the same date.