ere’s an overview of Ancient Astronomers and their key contributions to early astronomy:
1. Babylonian Astronomers (c. 1800 BCE – 500 BCE)
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Among the earliest systematic sky watchers.
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Created star catalogs, tracked planetary movements, and developed a lunar calendar.
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Used mathematical models to predict eclipses and planetary positions.
2. Egyptian Astronomers (c. 3000 BCE – 30 BCE)
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Used astronomy to align pyramids and temples with stars like Sirius and Orion.
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Developed a 365-day calendar based on the heliacal rising of Sirius (linked to the Nile flood).
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Observed the motion of the sun for seasonal changes.
3. Greek Astronomers
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Thales (c. 624–546 BCE): Predicted solar eclipses, believed water was the origin of everything.
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Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE): Suggested Earth was spherical.
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Aristarchus (c. 310–230 BCE): Proposed heliocentric theory (Sun at the center), centuries before Copernicus.
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Hipparchus (c. 190–120 BCE): Created the first star catalog, discovered precession of the equinoxes.
4. Indian Astronomers
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Aryabhata (476–550 CE): Calculated Earth's circumference, explained Earth’s rotation on its axis.
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Developed early trigonometric functions to predict planetary movements.
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Proposed that the moon and planets reflect sunlight.
5. Chinese Astronomers
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Kept detailed celestial records for over 3,000 years.
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First recorded supernova (SN 1054), which created the Crab Nebula.
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Used astronomy for astrological and agricultural purposes.
6. Mayan Astronomers (c. 250–900 CE)
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Created highly accurate calendars (Haab and Tzolk’in).
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Predicted solar and lunar eclipses using naked-eye observations.
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Observed Venus cycles for timing battles and rituals.
7. Islamic Astronomers (8th–14th Century)
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Preserved and expanded on Greek astronomy during the Islamic Golden Age.
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Al-Battani (Albategnius): Improved measurements of the solar year and planetary orbits.
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Built advanced observatories and astronomical tables that influenced Europe.
Key Legacy
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Ancient astronomers laid the foundation for modern science, combining observation, mathematics, and philosophy to understand the cosmos.