Ancient observatory offers look at early astronomical instruments
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The equatorial armilla was made in 1673 to determine the true solar time. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com]
Tucked behind the southwest exit of the Jianguomen subway station, Beijing's Ancient Observatory is an unexpected break from the surrounding modern towers and hotels. The observatory was once a research center for some of the Ming and Qing dynasties' most important scholars.
Built in the year 1442 during the Ming Dynasty, the observatory offers unique insight into ancient scientific techniques. Research at the observatory ceased in 1929 but achieved a world record for 487 years of continuous astronomical observation.
But astronomical research in China dates back even further. In 1279, the Chinese astronomers WangXun and Guo Shoujing built a small observatory just north of where the Ancient Observatory stands today. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), astronomers created a catalogue of 1848 stars and 283 constellations. Some astronomical records date back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE).
Astronomy and astrology have historically played a role in emperors' decisions and planning.
The ancient Chinese believed there was a relationship between the sky and earth, and that observations in the sky could predict wars and accidents, according to Xiao Jun, Deputy Director of the Beijing Ancient Observatory. As a result, astronomical research was relegated to upper-class scholars and selected foreign missionaries, and the observatory was not open to the public.
New emperors often ordered a new calendar to be made. Releasing a more accurate calendar was a sign that the new emperor was truly sanctioned by the heavens. More than 100 calendars were produced starting in the Qing Dynasty.
"At first, the calendar was based on the lunar orbit, but this was not suitable for farming, so the solar orbit was added to the c! alendar, " Xiao Jun said. "The lunisolar calendar helped farmers plan their crops."
The year was divided into 24 solar terms which predicted the changing of the seasons. In 1281, astronomer Guo Shoujing calculated that one year was 365.2425 days, 300 years before western astronomers made the same discovery and created the Gregorian calendar. The lunisolar calendar system was used until 1911 when the western solar calendar was adopted.
In addition to tracking movements in the sky, astronomers also tracked the wind, rain and snow, making their practice a combination of astronomy, astrology, and meteorology.
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