Photo # 3 (Aug 2009)

DUNHUANG STAR ATLAS

Harvesting the wisdom of human experience is like watching a picture gradually come into focus and seeing an extraordinary image of the universe emerging before our eyes. (...) Overall, beneath the differences in language, a common reality is being described -- our life is part of a larger life. Despite humanity's great diversity and historical differences, when the world's wisdom traditions penetrate into the experiential depths of existence, a common understanding emerges that is in accord with the insights from science. This understanding is utterly stunning.
                                        - Duane Elgin, The Living Universe

Credit and Copyright: J.-M. Bonnet-Bidaud (CEA, Saclay),
F. Praderie (Obs. Paris) S. Whitfield (British Library)

This ancient Chinese map of planet Earth's northern sky is part of the Dunhuang Star Atlas, one of the most impressive documents in the history of astronomy. The oldest complete star atlas known, it dates to the years 649 to 684, discovered at the Silk Road town of Dunhuang in 1907. A recent analysis that examines the accuracy and projections used to make it notes the atlas marks positions of over 1,300 stars and outlines 257 Chinese star groups or asterisms. The star positions in the hand drawn atlas were found to be accurate to within a few degrees. In this example showing the north polar region, a very recognizable Big Dipper, part of the modern constellation Ursa Major, lies along the bottom of the chart. An additional 12 charts depict equatorial regions in 30 degree sections and also include a grouping resembling the modern constellation Orion. The atlas is on display at the British Library in London to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy.

Without the help of telescopes, photographs or other imaging devices, ancient astronomers were able to map the skies with impressive accuracey.

I find hope in such evidence of human capabilities, unassisted by modern electronic technology... That we may be able to get along passably well if a global meltdown occurs due to humanity's irresponsible course of exploitation of planetary resources that is reaching the end of global sustainability.
                                        - Dan Benor, MD