The observatory is located on the west peak of Mt. Zhongshan. It was constructed in 1934 and the first modern observatory built by Chinese in China. It occupies very important position in Chinese astronomical history and considered cradle of modern Chinese astronomy. Now the observatory still keeps oldest astronomical instruments invented by Chinese, full of artistic and scientific values.
Celestial Globe
Invented by Zhang Heng, an outstanding astronomer in the East Han dynasty(25-220), it was used to locate the position of celestial bodies and define their ways of revolving. The globe, one meter in diameter, was inlaid with 1449 stars, ecliptic and equator. The one displayed there were made in Qing dynasty(1644-1911).
Armillary Sphere
Invention of the instrument can date back to the Han dynasty(206B.C.-220A.D.). It was used to locate celestial bodies and define their movements. The bronze one kept there was made in 1437 in the Ming dynasty(1368-1644).
Sundial
The bronze instrument was invented more than 3,000 years ago. It was used to define the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms and the length of the tropical year. The one displayed was made in 1439.
Altazimuth
The instrument, made at the end of the Qing dynasty, was used to locate celestial bodies and their heights.
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