How did the Babylonians discover the periodicity of solar and lunar eclipses?

Tech 2023-05-17 23:04:41 Source: Network

Wen|A Xi Xi ShoutingEdit|A Xi Xi ShoutingprefaceHuman exploration of the universe can be traced back to a long time ago.At different stages of human history, people have attempted to explain and understand the phenomena that occur in the sky,Solar and lunar eclipses are one of the most eye-catching astronomical phenomena

Wen|A Xi Xi Shouting

Edit|A Xi Xi Shouting

preface

Human exploration of the universe can be traced back to a long time ago.At different stages of human history, people have attempted to explain and understand the phenomena that occur in the sky,Solar and lunar eclipses are one of the most eye-catching astronomical phenomena.In ancient times, people's explanations of these phenomena can be said to be mysterious and sacred, but over time,People began to reveal their regularity by observing and recording these phenomena.Today we will focus on the astronomical discoveries of the Babylonians and explore how they discovered the periodicity of solar and lunar eclipses.

Babylonians discovered solar and lunar eclipses

Babylon is located in the Near East and is one of the earliest civilizations in the ancient world.Around 3000 BC, the Babylonians had established a complete constellation system and began observing the motion of celestial bodies.In the process of observing and recording astronomical phenomena, the Babylonians discovered the periodicity of solar and lunar eclipses, which surprised them greatly.

The Babylonians discovered that the relative positions of the sun and moon were constantly changing,When the moon is between the Earth and the sun, it will block the sun, resulting in a solar eclipse; When the Earth is located between the moon and the sun, it will block the moon, resulting in a lunar eclipse.Through long-term observation and accumulation of records, the Babylonians gradually realized the periodicity of solar and lunar eclipses.

In order to better record the occurrence and regularity of solar and lunar eclipses,The Babylonians established a complete calendar system and linked it to celestial motion.They built some tall towers with stones, called "temple towers", which can be used to observe astronomical phenomena.

In these buildings,The Babylonians installed a large number of astronomical instruments that could accurately measure the position and trajectory of celestial bodies. Through these instruments,The Babylonians were not only able to record the timing and regularity of solar and lunar eclipses, but also to predict future solar and lunar eclipses.

The explanations for solar and lunar eclipses can be said to be mysterious and sacred in Babylonian culture. They believe that JapanEclipse and lunar eclipse are caused by the will of God and are a way for God to convey information to humanity,During solar and lunar eclipses,The Babylonians carry out various ceremonies and sacrificial activities to show respect and gratitude to the gods.As time passed, people began to gradually recognize the natural laws behind astronomical phenomena, which also promoted the development of science.

The Babylonians recorded solar and lunar eclipses

The Babylonians were one of the earliest civilizations in the world to observe the sky.Around 3000 BC, they had established a complete constellation system and began recording the periodicity of solar and lunar eclipses.In order to better record these astronomical phenomena, the Babylonians used a series of advanced astronomical instruments.

The Babylonians established a complete calendar system and linked it to celestial motion.They built some tall towers with stones, called "temple towers", which can be used to observe astronomical phenomena.In these buildings,The Babylonians set up a large number of astronomical instruments and used a device called a "water clock" to measure time.

They also used a device called an "hourglass" to accurately measure time intervals,The Babylonians also used a method called the "non fixed aperture method" to determine the appearance time of lunar phases and solar eclipses.

In order to more accurately record astronomical phenomena,The Babylonians developed a complex system of symbols. This symbol system is called "cuneiform", which is named because its shape is similar to cuneiform.The Babylonians used this symbol system to record the time, duration, and form of solar and lunar eclipses.Cuneiform is a very complex writing system, which requires long-term learning to master.

The Babylonians also proposed many theories and hypotheses in astronomy, such as discovering regular intervals between the sun and stars when observing celestial bodies,The Babylonians believe that these intervals may represent some mysterious cycleSarod cycle

Explanation of solar and lunar eclipses by the Babylonians

The Babylonians used solar and lunar eclipses as a form of omen or divination.

The Babylonians also regarded solar and lunar eclipses as mysterious celestial events.

The astronomical heritage of the Babylonians

12These constellation systems have become the fundamental star maps and constellation systems in modern astronomy.

60shar603600And provide a foundation for numerous cultural and religious activities.

These astronomical instruments have greatly promoted the development of astronomical research.

The Babylonians also achieved remarkable achievements in recording and explaining the phenomena of solar and lunar eclipses.Cuneiform are used to record and describe these phenomena.

Sarod cycle

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Sarod cycle

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The Babylonian tradition of sky observation

The Babylonian tradition of sky observation3The knowledge of astronomy among the Babylonians had a significant impact on calendars, navigation, and other fields.

Almanac is an astronomical manual developed by the Babylonians to predict solar and lunar eclipses.

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The Babylonian tradition of sky observation

Author's viewpoint

The discovery of the Babylonians greatly promoted the development and progress of the field of astronomy.

Sarod cycleThe Babylonian calendar system also laid the foundation for later calendar development.

reference

Chen Ling,& Xie Jun (2018). Babylonians and Ancient Greeks in the History of Astronomy. Journal of Guangxi University for Nationalities (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 40 (6), 57-62

Wang Shiqi,& Yang Ruidong (2004). Solar and lunar eclipses in Babylonian observational astronomy and their applications. University Physics, (11), 63-65

Zou Jingping,& Zhang Berlin (2017). The Journey of Babylonian Civilization from a Historical and Cultural Perspective - Taking Astronomy as an Example. University Education Science, 33 (5), 98-102

Huang Qian,& Xu Weiguo (2020). Comparative Study of Astronomy between Greece and Babylon. Science, Technology and Engineering, 20 (25), 138-142

Ren Jianhua,& Zhang Yun (2021). Research on the Calendar System of Babylonian Astronomy. Educational Exploration, (9), 121-123

Chen Baoyu,& Song Xiaobo (2019). Astronomical Development in Ancient Civilizations: Taking Egypt, Babylon, and China as Examples. University Education Science, 35 (2), 83-86

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