The image above was taken during the brief period of totality of the solar eclipse on April 8. This is a view of Austin’s skyline from the point of view of Zilker Park. I was there with my sister to witness the eclipse. Our conversation, fueled by some gummies, meandered. We discussed astronomy and our gratitude to be witnessing a cosmic event like this. I mentioned that in medieval Asia, there were practical handbooks written for princes that suggested that a good ruler should employ two scientists, a physician and an astronomer. My sister understood the need for a physician, but wondered why would a medieval ruler needs an astronomer? I suggested that the sultan needs to know what various heavenly occurences mean for him and his rule—and astronomer provides data about these portents, as well as predictions for future cosmic occurances. My sister said, isn’t that an astrologer, not an astronomer? I said that prior to Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo, they weren’t two different disciplines.. Knowing how to predict an eclipse might have been enough to get you a job in 12th century Herat, and if you predict enough victories for your emir, he might build you an observatory.
Astronomers and Astrologists
Astronomers and Astrologists
Astronomers and Astrologists
The image above was taken during the brief period of totality of the solar eclipse on April 8. This is a view of Austin’s skyline from the point of view of Zilker Park. I was there with my sister to witness the eclipse. Our conversation, fueled by some gummies, meandered. We discussed astronomy and our gratitude to be witnessing a cosmic event like this. I mentioned that in medieval Asia, there were practical handbooks written for princes that suggested that a good ruler should employ two scientists, a physician and an astronomer. My sister understood the need for a physician, but wondered why would a medieval ruler needs an astronomer? I suggested that the sultan needs to know what various heavenly occurences mean for him and his rule—and astronomer provides data about these portents, as well as predictions for future cosmic occurances. My sister said, isn’t that an astrologer, not an astronomer? I said that prior to Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo, they weren’t two different disciplines.. Knowing how to predict an eclipse might have been enough to get you a job in 12th century Herat, and if you predict enough victories for your emir, he might build you an observatory.