Dunhuang Star Chart
The Dunhuang map or Dunhuang Star map is one of the first known graphical representations of stars from ancient Chinese astronomy, dated to the Tang dynasty (618–907). Before this map, much of the star information mentioned in historical Chinese texts had been questioned.[2] The map provides a graphical verification of the star observations, and are part of a series of pictures on one of the Dunhuang manuscripts. The astronomy behind the map is explained in an educational resource posted on the website of the International Dunhuang Project, where much of the research on the map has been done.[3] The Dunhuang Star map is to date the world's oldest complete preserved star atlas.[4]
History
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Colors
The symbols for the stars are divided into three different groups. The groups are presented in three colors representing the "Three Schools of Astronomical tradition".[2]
| Color | Chinese Astronomer | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Gan De (甘德) | |
| Red | Shi Shen (石申) | |
| White | Wu Xian (巫咸) | There have been inconsistencies in his works. He is generally known as the astronomer who lived before Gan and Shi.[6] |
| Yellow | Others |
See also
References
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- ↑ Xi, Zezong. "Chinese Studies in the History of Astronomy, 1949-1979," Isis (Volume 72, Number 3, 1981): 456–470. Page 464.
- ↑ a b c Whitfield, Susan. [2004] (2004). The Silk Road: Trade, Travel, War and Faith. British Library Staff. Serindia Publications. Template:ISBN.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ International Dunhuang Project.bl.uk Script error: No such module "webarchive".
- ↑ Peng, Yoke Ho (2000). Li, Qi and Shu: An Introduction to Science and Civilization in China. Courier Dover Publications. Template:ISBN
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External links
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- "Star Atlas: Translation", by Imre Galambos, 2010, International Dunhuang Project.