Dunhuang Star Chart

Dunhuang Star Chart (north polar region) Yesterday’s Astronomy Picture of the Day featured a portion of the Dunhuang Star Chart, “one of the most impressive documents in the history of astronomy.” A four-metre scroll dating from the seventh century Tang Dynasty, it’s apparently the first representation of Chinese astronomy. More on the chart from Nature, which notes that it’s on display at the British Library, in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, until August 18.

Comments