Famous Chinese Astronomers

Su Song was a Chinese statesman and polymathic scientist. Best remembered for his contributions to various fields of study, Song was accomplished in astronomy, geography, cartography, mathematics, pharmacology, horology, mineralogy, botany, zoology, hydraulic engineering, mechanical engineering, poetry, art, philosophy, and statesmanship. Su Song is also remembered for his work on an astronomical clock tower, which implemented an early escapement mechanism.

Xu Guangqi, or Paul, was a Chinese official of the Ming dynasty and one of the most prominent Chinese converts before the 20th century. An agronomist, a mathematician, an astronomer, a politician, and an author, he translated many Western works. He was also known as one of the Three Pillars of Chinese Catholicism.

Chinese astronomer, engineer, and mathematician Zu Chongzhi is best remembered for calculating near-accurate approximations for π. He rejected the then-prevalent Yuanjia calendar and introduced the Daming calendar instead. He had also worked on the mathematical theory of music, though his writings haven’t survived the test of time.

Chinese mathematician and astronomer Li Chunfeng rejected the existing Wuyin calendar and redesigned it later, creating the Linde calendar, using a new armillary sphere, as part of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. He also wrote several mathematical and historical treatises, apart from contributing to music, metrology, and astrology.