Astronomy and Astrology are recognized in the scientific community as “the first Science” of humanity. At ECG we recognize some of these “Hall of Fame” astronomers of all time and the contributions they have made to our modern understanding of the universe. Please visit our library as we continue to develop our roster of the great ones.
Spotlight on Hipparchus: (c. 190 – 120 BC)
- Fields of study: Astronomy, Mathematics, Geography
- Accomplishments and legacy: the Founder of Trigonometry, Greatest Astronomer of Antiquity
Hipparchus of Nicaea was a very well-known Greek astronomer. He made great contributions in the fields of mathematics and geography. He is the founder of trigonometry and is considered by many the “greatest astronomer of antiquity.” He has also been called the father of astronomy (as have others).
Hipparchus was known for his astronomical observations in Rhodes where he applied mathematical techniques for accuracy. Through them, he was able to compile the first extensive star catalog.
Hipparchus was the first mathematician known to have produced a trigonometric table. He used these tabulated values to compute the eccentricity of the Moon and Sun’s orbit. By comparing the position of stars with the observations of Timocharis of Alexandria 150 years earlier, Hipparchus discovered the precession of the equinoxes. In addition, he also devised a method to predict solar eclipses.
Only very little of the works of Hipparchus has survived through time. In geography, it is said that he was the first one to have used the geographic coordinate system in determining latitude on Earth from star observations. His star catalog and works in geography, among others, became the basis of other astronomers after him, like Claudius Ptolemy.
Source – The Planets.org