East-Asian Archaeoastronomy: Historical Records of Astronomical Observations of China, Japan and Korea (Earth Space Institute Book Series) [Hardcover]

Zhenoao Xu (Author), W. Pankenier (Author), Yaotiao Jiang (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2000 | Series: Earth Space Institute Book Series

Historical astronomical records can play an important role in modern research, especially in the case of ancient Chinese observational data: sunspot and aurora records are important for the study of solar variability; solar and lunar eclipse records for the study of the Earth's rotation; records of Comet Hally for the study of orbital evolution; "guest star" records for the study of supernova remnants; planetary conjunction records for research in astronomical chronology. In the past, Western scientists have not been able to exploit these valuable data fully because the original records were difficult to gather and interpret, and complete English translations have not been available. East-Asian Archaeoastronomy is the first comprehensive translation into English of such historical records for modern research. The book also features an introduction to East Asian astronomy and offers guidance on how to use the records effectively. It will not only be a valuable research tool for astronomers but should also be of great interest to historians of China and Chinese science.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 440 pages
• Publisher: CRC Press; 1 edition (November 17, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 905699302X
• ISBN-13: 978-9056993023
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,222,605 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource, June 12, 2002

By 

cb "cb" (encino, ca US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: East-Asian Archaeoastronomy: Historical Records of Astronomical Observations of China, Japan and Korea (Earth Space Institute Book Series) (Hardcover)

Every record of an eclipse, sunspot, nova, auroral event, or other cosmic occurrence from Korea, Japan, and China is documented here -- in English and Chinese. People familiar with Early China will feel right at home with this material; people who are new to East Asian archeoastronomy will find a gold mine of information extremely well documented and explained.

You can't ask for much better than this kind of work.