Han Dynasty Chinese comet atlases: broom stars and pheasant stars. Chinese astronomers kept extensive records on the appearances, paths, and disappearances of hundreds of comets Extensive Chinese comet atlases have been found dating back to the Han Dynasty Chinese terminology described comets as "long-tailed pheasant stars" or "broom stars" (hui xing)
Chinese astronomers during the Han Dynasty were meticulous comet observers! Their atlases tracked hundreds of appearances, paths, and disappearances. Comets were evocatively called 'long-tailed pheasant stars' or 'broom stars', with different shapes tied to different disasters. ðŸ”📜
Key Facts
- Chinese astronomers kept extensive records on the appearances, paths, and disappearances of hundreds of comets
- Extensive Chinese comet atlases have been found dating back to the Han Dynasty
- Chinese terminology described comets as "long-tailed pheasant stars" or "broom stars" (hui xing)
- Different cometary forms were associated with different disasters in Chinese tradition
Source: The Mysterious Messages of the Cosmos by The Randall Carlson