Who?
Gan De (Lord Gan) and Shi Shen were famous Chinese astronomers in the 4th century BC. Together they created the one of the first known star map of the northern hemisphere. They also wrote the first known detailed description of Jupiter.
Left: Gan De star map
Left: Gan De star map
Why did they use Astronomy?
The ancient Chinese used astronomy for practical purposes. They would determine what season it was by the handle of the Big Dipper. The handle would face south in the summer and west in the fall.
The Chinese also used the stars for navigating on land and sea. they developed the magnetic compass in the 11th century AD which was quickly adopted by the Europeans and the Indian ocean civilizations.
The Chinese also used the stars for navigating on land and sea. they developed the magnetic compass in the 11th century AD which was quickly adopted by the Europeans and the Indian ocean civilizations.