Lars Gislén
Retired, affiliated researcher
Seventeenth Century French Jesuit Longitude Determinations in Asia: : The art of Rectifying Clocks
Author
Summary, in English
Two methods of setting clocks to show correct time during the 17th century by French Jesuits in
China are investigated and their computations and accuracy are analysed. These methods were used to
rectify the clocks used for timings of eclipses of the Galilean moons or for lunar eclipses that in turn were used
to determine geographical longitudes by Jesuit missionaries in Siam and China. It is found that the calculations
needed, in spite of being quite complicated, were well done and very accurate.
China are investigated and their computations and accuracy are analysed. These methods were used to
rectify the clocks used for timings of eclipses of the Galilean moons or for lunar eclipses that in turn were used
to determine geographical longitudes by Jesuit missionaries in Siam and China. It is found that the calculations
needed, in spite of being quite complicated, were well done and very accurate.
Department/s
- Theoretical Particle Physics - Has been reorganised
Publishing year
2021
Language
English
Pages
770-775
Publication/Series
Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage
Volume
24
Issue
3
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand
Topic
- Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology
Keywords
- Time
- Clock
- Longitude
- Jesuits
- China
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1440-2807