What does the ancient observatory mean?

The ancient observatory is an instrument used to observe the movement of celestial bodies, which is mainly used to judge astronomical solar terms, the position of the sun, the moon and the stars, and astronomical phenomena. The appearance of ancient observatories not only promoted human cognition and research on the universe, but also provided an important basis for farmers to master time and arrange agricultural activities.

There are many kinds of ancient astronomical observatories, such as sundial, armillary sphere, circular instrument and equatorial instrument. Among them, the sundial is the earliest observation instrument invented and used. The method of making and using the sundial was introduced in detail in the Book of Qi Yaomin completed by Jia Sixie in the Southern and Northern Dynasties. Since then, scientists and craftsmen in various periods have continuously improved and manufactured more accurate and complex observation instruments, such as the movement instrument in the Ming Dynasty and the celestial globe instrument in the Qing Dynasty.

The invention and use of the ancient observatory had a positive impact on the ancient science, technology, culture and history of China. It not only promotes the research of astronomy, mathematics and physics, but also promotes the change of human concept of time and lifestyle. The ancient observatory can still attract many people to watch it, and it is an important carrier for inheriting history and culture and popularizing scientific knowledge.