A Study on the "Bocheonga" of Joseon and China
Korean historical constellations and their names are similar to Chinese ones. Although Korean historical astronomy is influenced by China, they have distinct differences in each shape and names of the constellations. We, therefore, compare Bocheonga (步天歌) of the early Joseon dynasty (朝鮮, 1392~1910)...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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The Korean Space Science Society
2009-09-01
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| Series: | Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://ocean.kisti.re.kr/downfile/volume/kosss/OJOOBS/2009/v26n3/OJOOBS_2009_v26n3_375.pdf |
| Summary: | Korean historical constellations and their names are similar to Chinese ones. Although Korean historical astronomy is influenced by China, they have distinct differences in each shape and names of the constellations. We, therefore, compare Bocheonga (步天歌) of the early Joseon dynasty (朝鮮, 1392~1910) preserved in Gyujanggark (奎章閣) with that of the Sui dynasty ((隋代, 581~618 of China written by Wang Ximing(王希明) in terms of star charts and descriptions of the contents. We find out that the two books are partly different all over the books. First, there are definite differences in preface, three area of constellations (三垣) in the heaven, and the description of the Milky Way. Second, some of constellations show different in shape, the number of stars. Especially connecting pattern in some constellations shows different in each other. Third, Joseon Bocheonga describes their colors for some stars. These mean that Joseon has a unique tradition of star maps unlike Chinese one. We also summarize the differences and distinctive characteristics of Joseon star charts compared with Chinese ones. |
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| ISSN: | 2093-5587 2093-1409 |