Chinese Astronomers

1. Chinese Astronomers 240 B.C - 1054 A.D By: Robert Sosik

2. 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.

3. Astronomers • 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.

4. History • 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.

5. FACTS 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.