Happy Chinese New Year

astralmap

Cost: $20 per car or $10 per person
Saturday, February 9th, 2013Family Friendly Event

8:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Hwy 22 South Calgary
Telephone: 403 9312366
Website


View On Google Maps

As a tribute to the history of Astronomy in China on the eve of the Chinese New Year, join us for the talk “From Dunhuang (Peoples Republic of China): the oldest Star Atlas” The Dunhuang star atlas was discovered in 1907 by Aurel Stein, the Hungarian-British explorer, in a cave on the ancient Silk Road. It is now in the British Library. Only recently has it been thoroughly studied by astronomers. The atlas in the cultural context of the Warring States, Han and later Tang periods. Dated to the period 500-1000 CE, it is far in advance of contemporary products from the Mediterranean world. Its interpretation requires both a knowledge of visual astronomy and an understanding of the role that astronomy-astrology played in Chinese society. By following a number of clues – costume, paper, taboo characters, handwriting, the names in the document and internal astronomical evidence – we can arrive at a finer dating, infer why the atlas ended up in the far west of Han China, and even identify the author of an remarkable and beautiful product of scientific observation that was also a closely guarded state secret.

In the sky – No moon in the sky, so perfect viewing conditions for observing Jupiter and Orion.
If the sky is clear, we will have telescopes operating. We encourage you to dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

Search more events