The Origin of Modern Astronomy University of （大学现代天文学的起源）.pdf

The Origin of Modern Astronomy Archeoastronomy Ancient Astronomy The Copernican Revolution Copernicus Brahe Kepler Galilei Newton Archeoastronomy Big Horn Medicine Caracol, Mexico Wheel, Wyoming Stonehenge, England Many early civilizations have left archeological sites demonstrating their interest in the heavens. They do not impact the development of Western astronomy.  Babylonians produced the first star catalogs c. 1600 BCE and they named constellations. The Venus tablet of Ammizaduga is so accurate that we can calculate its date exactly.  Their purpose in pursuing astronomy was primarily to produce an accurate agricultural calendar.  Secondarily it was for astrology.  They made voluminous, accurate observations and they used measurements of cycles to predict astronomical events.  Egyptian astronomy was used to align the pyramids and predict the flooding of the Nile river. The names of their constellations changed with different dynasties. Cosmology of the Ancient Near East Ancient Greek Astronomers Aristotle (384–322 BCE) Elements of his physics affected peoples perception of the universe until modern times • One perfect, unchangeable element—quintessence • Made the heavenly spheres • Four changeable elements • Fire • Air • Water • Earth • Motion always required a force Aristarchus proposed a heliocentric universe Motion of the Earth around the Sun should result in an observable parallax, which was not seen by the Greeks. It was not observed until 1838 by Bessel for 61 Cygni. Aristotle and othe