Characteristics of China's Astronomical Literature History

In China, astronomy can only be studied by the royal family. In ancient China, ordinary people were forbidden to study astronomy, mainly for fear that people would rebel in the name of astronomical phenomena. In ancient China, conspiracy against astronomy was punishable by death.

In terms of calendars, before the Ming Dynasty, the imperial court did not prohibit people from learning calendars, but after the Ming Dynasty, people were forbidden to learn calendars. For example, learners would criticize each other. China people have formed a complete theoretical system in astronomical divination. And had an important influence on the current politics at that time. Although there is no understanding of the universe by establishing a mathematical universe system like the ancient Greeks. However, through a series of precise astronomical instruments such as the armillary sphere, the theory of armillary sphere was put forward. Celestial sphere said. This is much more advanced than the geocentric theory prevailing in the west at that time.

The unity of heaven and man is based on long-term observation of astronomical phenomena. This theory has long dominated the traditional culture of China. And the resulting worship culture is unique in the world. Most people in China study the universe for practical purposes such as divination and calendar compilation, instead of studying the universe purely from the scientific perspective of understanding the universe and exploring the laws of the universe, as westerners do.