History of Astronomy: History of Astronomy: From Ancient Observations to Modern DiscoveriesHistory of Astronomy by George Forbes: In this comprehensive historical account, George Forbes, an eminent astronomer, takes readers on a journey through the evolution of astronomy. From ancient civilizations' observations of celestial phenomena to the revolutionary discoveries of modern astronomy, Forbes provides a detailed narrative of humanity's quest to understand the cosmos. Through this enlightening exploration, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the scientific achievements that have shaped our understanding of the universe. Key Aspects of the Book "History of Astronomy": George Forbes was a distinguished astronomer and writer born in 1849. He made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly in the study of the sun's radiation and the transmission of energy in the atmosphere. Forbes' passion for astronomy led him to become a Fellow of the Royal Society and an esteemed professor of astronomy. His book "History of Astronomy" remains a valuable resource for those interested in the fascinating journey of human exploration of the cosmos. |
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... about 150 B.C., and Ptolemy a little later, were able to use the observations of Chaldæan astrologers, as well as those of Alexandrian astronomers, and to make some discoveries which have helped the progress of astronomy in all ages.
... Ptolemy (about 130 A.D.) made use of Babylonian eclipses in the eighth century B.C. for improving his solar and lunar tables. Fragments of a library at Agade have been preserved at Nineveh, from which we learn that the star-charts were ...
... Ptolemy, in the Almagest (Suntaxis), says it occurred in the seventh year of Cambyses, on the night of the seventeenth and eighteenth of the Egyptian month Phamenoth. Pingré and Oppolzer fix the date July 16th, 533 B.C. Thus are the ...
... Ptolemy (130 A.D.) wrote the Suntaxis, or Almagest, which includes a cyclopedia of astronomy, containing a summary of knowledge at that date. We have no evidence beyond his own statement that he was a practical observer. He theorised on ...
... Ptolemy to place the centres of the epicycles of Mercury and Venus at the sun, and to extend the same system to the major planets. Something of this sort had been proposed by the Egyptians (we are told by Cicero and others), and was ...