Astronomy China

Discovery Reshapes Understanding

if verified, the bintang Master Shi guidebook predates the Hipparchus catalog from ancient Greece, established around 130 BC, which has long been recognized as the earliest structured star catalog in Western astronomy. While Babylonian star records from the 8th century BC document star observations, they lack the graphical layout and detailed coordinate systems found in the Chinese catalog.

Impact on Global Astronomy

The enduring nature and centuries-long updates of this catalog highlight the sustained tradition of Chinese astronomy, which has substantially influenced scientific progress beyond its geographical origins.

Researchers HE and Zhao intend to apply their methodologies to other ancient Chinese star catalogs, focusing on subsequent periods, including the Ming Dynasty, a time marked by the initial interactions between Chinese and Western astronomical practices.

This research aligns with a broader cultural initiative to emphasize China’s scientific legacy and foster intercultural dialog, echoing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s sentiment that “civilization thrives through exchange and mutual learning.”

Currently under review by the Journal of Research in astronomy and Astrophysics,this study introduces a new dimension to our comprehension of humanity’s earliest astronomical records.