Wu Xian (astronomer)
Encyclopedia
Wu Xian was a Chinese astronomer
who supposedly lived in the Shang Dynasty
(c. 1600–1046 BC) of China
. He is considered as one of the main ancient Chinese astronomers alongside more historical figures such as Gan De
and Shi Shen
, the latter two of whom lived during the Warring States (403–221 BC). He has also been represented as one of the "Three Astronomical Traditions" on the Dunhuang map
which was made during the Tang Dynasty
(618–907).
Chinese astronomy
Astronomy in China has a very long history, with historians considering that "they [the Chinese] were the most persistent and accurate observers of celestial phenomena anywhere in the world before the Arabs."...
who supposedly lived in the Shang Dynasty
Shang Dynasty
The Shang Dynasty or Yin Dynasty was, according to traditional sources, the second Chinese dynasty, after the Xia. They ruled in the northeastern regions of the area known as "China proper" in the Yellow River valley...
(c. 1600–1046 BC) of China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. He is considered as one of the main ancient Chinese astronomers alongside more historical figures such as Gan De
Gan De
Gan De was a Chinese astronomer/astrologer born in the State of Qi also known as the Lord Gan . Along with Shi Shen, he is believed to be the first in history known by name to compile a star catalogue, preceded by the anonymous authors of the early Babylonian star catalogues and followed by the...
and Shi Shen
Shi Shen
Shi Shen was a Chinese astronomer and contemporary of Gan De born in the State of Wei, also known as the Master Shi Shen .-Observations:...
, the latter two of whom lived during the Warring States (403–221 BC). He has also been represented as one of the "Three Astronomical Traditions" on the Dunhuang map
Dunhuang map
The Dunhuang map or Dunhuang Star map is one of the first known graphical representation of stars from ancient Chinese astronomy, dated to the Tang Dynasty . Prior to this map, many of the star information mentioned in historical Chinese texts had been questioned...
which was made during the Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
(618–907).