Hipparchus
He created the first comprehensive star catalog and discovered the precession of the equinoxes.
Most quoted
"The human condition is to seek patterns in the chaos, to find meaning in the vastness, and to leave a mark, however small, upon the tapestry of time."
— from Conjectured based on astronomical work
"I've charted the movements of the planets with great precision, but I still can't predict when my neighbor will stop complaining about his olives."
— from Everyday Life
"Measuring the distance to the moon is one thing; measuring the distance to a politician's sincerity is quite another, and far more challenging."
— from Conversation
All quotes by Hipparchus (370)
Accurate timekeeping is essential for astronomical observations.
The use of instruments is vital for precise astronomical measurements.
The Moon's nodes regress, causing variations in eclipse patterns.
The Earth's shadow is conical, and its size can be calculated.
The Sun is much larger than the Earth.
The distance to the Moon can be determined using parallax.
The apparent path of the Sun through the constellations is not perfectly circular.
The stars are not simply holes in a celestial sphere.
The study of astronomy requires rigorous mathematical and observational methods.
Previous astronomical observations are valuable, but must be critically re-evaluated.
The Earth's position in the universe is central, but its motion is complex.
The concept of epicycles and eccentrics can explain the irregular motions of celestial bodies.
The apparent retrograde motion of planets is an illusion caused by their orbital paths.
The division of the circle into 360 degrees is a useful convention for astronomical calculations.
The use of a gnomon can provide accurate measurements of the Sun's altitude.
The Earth's atmosphere refracts light, affecting the apparent positions of celestial objects.
The concept of celestial spheres is a useful model, but not necessarily a physical reality.
The study of astronomy is essential for navigation and calendar keeping.
The Moon's phases are caused by its changing illumination by the Sun.
The stars are not all of the same color.