Ancient Chinese astronomer to be celebrated during Spring Festival for defining beginning of year
With the Chinese New Year arriving next month, Langzhong county in Sichuan is preparing for its grand annual Spring Festival celebrations which this year will have a focus on the great Chinese astronomer Luoxia Hong.
Luoxia was born in nowadays Langzhong during Western Han Dynasty (206 BC – AD 24). He and his associate Deng Ping created China’s first calendar verified by historical records – Taichu calendar, which established the frame of the Chinese lunisolar calendar system, introducing 24 solar terms and redefining the first month of year as we know now.
The calendar was adopted by Emperor Wudi and was in use for more than 180 years.
Luoxia's great astronomical achievements, including making of the calendar, developing the theory of sphere-heavens, and improving the equatorial armillary sphere, was commemorated in 2004 by naming an asteroid after him with approval from the International Astronomical Union.
As the hometown of this great historical figure, Langzhong plans to celebrate his tremendous scientific achievements in the Spring Festival celebrations this year,
On the New Year Day, astronomy enthusiasts from across the country will pay tribute to Luoxia Hong at his birthplace Luoyang village in Qiaolou township.
From Feb. 8 to March 18, the lantern exhibitions will have a special area dedicated to demonstrate his contribution to Chinese astronomy by displaying lanterns of 24 solar terms theme.
the celebrations in Langzhong have been scheduled to be aired to the world as part of the Chinese Central Television’s Spring Festival Gala on the New Year's Eve, which will fall on Feb. 15 this year,
