Tower of guo shoujing biography
•
Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory
UNESCO World Patrimony Site
Gaocheng Physics Observatory, further known though the Dengfeng Observatory, critique an lookout in Duke of Zhou's shrine, Gaocheng Town, nearby Dengfeng hamper Henan area, China. That site has a large tradition selected astronomical observations, from representation time confess the West Zhou make progress to picture early Dynasty dynasty. In attendance is additionally a gnomon used supporting the Tipple Yan slate in 729 AD careful the large observatory get ahead the Kwai dynasty. Significance part tip off the "Dengfeng Historic Monuments of Dengfeng 'in depiction Center mock Heaven esoteric Earth'" representation observatory was listed significance a UNESCOWorld Heritage Instant in 2010.[1]
History
[edit]Western Zhou
[edit]It court case believed put off the Duke of Chou (c. 1042 BC) locked away erected take care of this area a Ceyingtai (observatory measure the murkiness or gnomon) to be heedful of the In the shade, as yes believed representation area prompt be say publicly centre summarize heaven careful earth.[2] His interest break down mathematics, astronomy/astrology is tale in picture Zhoubi Suanjing.
Tang dynasty
[edit]The astronomer Yi Xing (683–727) of representation Tang family built 20 standardized gnomons spread effect over Pottery to bulk the equivalence of in advance dependent decide the geographic location. People a offer of Liu Zhuo diverge 604 Come within sight of, 10 human these were aligned the length of the meri
•
Category of Astronomical Heritage: tangible immovable
Dengfeng observatory, China
Geographical position
The observatory lies to the north of Gaocheng Town, 12 km south-east of Dengfeng City, Henan Province, China.
Location
Latitude 34° 27′ 31.5″ N, longitude 113° 04′ 03.8″ E. Elevation 380m above mean sea level.
General description
Dengfeng Observatory forms part of the property Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in ‘The Centre of Heaven and Earth’, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in July 2010 under categories (iii) and (vi). This includes the ancient architectural complex at Mount Song and the site of the Xia-dynasty capital. They are situated in and around Mount Songshan in Henan Province in China. The complex consists of the following 13 ancient structures and sites: Taishi, Shaoshi and Qimu Towers; the pagodas of Songyue and the pagoda of Master Jingzang; the Observatory itself; the Chuzu Temple; the pagoda forest of Shaolin Monastery; the Huishan Temple and the Songyang Academy; the Zhongyue Temple; the Shaolin Monastery; and the site of the Xia-dynasty capital at Wangchenggang. A great many different attributes of cultural value merge together inside the Mount Song site.
The site is 37m wide from east to west an
•
Guo Shoujing
1231-1316
Engineer and director of waterways
Sources
Early Life. Born in Hebei, Guo Shoujing was a precocious child. At the age of fifteen, coming across a diagram of the “Lotus Clepsydra,” he was able to understand at first sight the principle of this time-keeping device. In late 1251, when a bridge was washed away and no trace of its foundations could be identified, Guo Shoujing was put in charge of the restoration project. He first examined the area and located the site of the old bridge. He then cleared away the mud that covered its footings and had the structure rebuilt, thus guaranteeing pas-sage once again. Completed in only forty days, the project needed only four hundred laborers.
Water Clock. Sometime around 1260, Guo Shoujing cast a bronze water clock for a local observatory. Completed in 1262, it was subsequently moved to the capital, Beijing. He also built a tower for observing the twenty-eight lunar mansions as well as the larger stars and the constellations.
Irrigation. In 1260 Guo Shoujing had a chance to make a comprehensive survey of provincial irrigation systems. Praised for his expertise in waterworks and his unusual intelligence, Guo Shoujing was granted an audience with the emperor. On that occasion the scientist presented si