Ancient observatory offers look at early astronomical instruments
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From 1669 to 1674, Emperor Kangxi commissioned Ferdinand Verbiest to design six astronomical instruments, a celestial globe, the equatorial armillary sphere, the ecliptic armillary, the quadrant, the altazimuth and the sextant. In 1715, Killian Stumpf designed the azimuth theodolite, which is a combination of an altazimuth and quadrant and is used to measure the vertical and horizontal angles and altitudes of celestial bodies. In 1744, Emperor Qianlong ordered the construction of the last astronomical instrument -- the new armillary sphere -- to be added to the ancient observatory. These instruments occupied the roof of the observatory, while the older instruments were moved to the yard below.
All of the observatory's instruments except the altazimuth theodolite are adorned with bronze dragons at the base, signifying that astronomy was a special discipline for the emperor. A telescope was never added to the collection, although the emperor acquired one and kept it at the palace for personal use.
The observatory was raided in 1900 during the Eight-Nation Alliance's siege of Beijing, and the instruments were taken by foreign troops. The French returned five of the instruments the next year, while the Germans took five of them to Europe to display at Potsdam Hall. They were finally returned in 1921. Several of the instruments were sent to Nanjing for safekeeping after the Japanese invaded China.
The museum was opened to the public in 1983. Operated in conjunction with the Beijing Planetarium, the Ancient Observatory now receives about 500 visitors per week. There are detailed English descriptions available. In the courtyards surrounding the Ancient Observatory, there are three exhibitions about the history of astronomy in China, the uses of the various instruments and examples of ancient instruments such as water clocks and sundials. Visitors can also climb to the top of the observatory, which has 99 steps to signify a relationship to the emperor. There they can look at additional instruments displayed on the roof.
To learn about China's history with the stars, which mixed astrology and superstition with astronomy and science, visitors can spend an hour or two perusing the exhibits and examining the instruments. Like many of China's more treasured relics, the instruments have been well kept, offering visitors an opportunity to examine ancient science up close.
The Logistics:
Address: No. 2 Dongbiaobei Hutong, Beijing China
Transportation: Jianguomen subway station on line 1 or line 2, exit C. The museum is directly behind the subway station.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Telephone: 6524 2202
Admission: 10 yuan
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