Transcript Chinese Astronomers

240 B.C - 1054 A.D
By: Robert Sosik
Sighting and Navigating the Stars
Chinese Astronomers constantly observed the heavens and were even the first to
notice certain comets and super novas. They were the first to record the sighting of
Hailey's comet. They also Recorded Planetary, Lunar & Solar Motions.
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Chinese Astronomers discovered
vast amounts of stars and objects
Compared to other cultures at this
time. A Chinese Astronomer had
many responsibilities. They had to
categorize almost every observed
star. They also had to track and
predict their movements. Then
consult the emperor, to tell him
what it meant.
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The Chinese were known to have
the first Observatories. The
Emperors centered there ruling
around astronomy. This is because
they believed it could predict
things to come. Also because the
Chinese used the Lunisolar
calendar. The calender followed
sun, moon,/ season Phases. They
named large groups of
constellations.
Chinese Astronomers also created Celestial globes which maps
constellations and specific star patterns throughout the sky including the
celestial south pole. During this time thousands of stars were maps.\
The Chinese also hold many ancient recordings. They were the first to
record a Solar eclipse. As Well a planetary grouping in 500 B.C.
Comets where known as broom stars and a book called “ the Book of
Silk “ was published containing 300 years of data about 29 known comets. It
explained the comets theorized – size, date it was seen, type, constellation it
was first seen in/by, and duration, color, motion.
They called super novas guest stars because they would appear at
months at a time and then disappear. They believed when a new super nova
appeared it was the same guest star in another place.