abstract:Giovan Battista Odierna Giovanni Battista Hodierna (Ragusa, April 13, 1597 - Palma di Montechiaro, April 6, 1660) was an Italian astronomer at the court of the Duke of Montechiaro. He compiled a catalog of some 40 entries, including at least 19 real and verifiable nebulous objects that might be confused with comets.