History Of Astronomy Research Articles

“Between Ancient and Modern Astronomy” – The 30th Annual Conference of the European Society for Astronomy in Cultures (SEAC), Warsaw, Poland, 6th–9th September, 2023

This is a review of the 2023 SEAC conference.

Solar eclipse maps – historical and contemporary methodologies

ABSTRACT The first part of this paper examines the history of solar eclipse maps of the world from the seventeenth century to present. It compares the path of centrality (totality or annularity) on a few antique maps with the corresponding path given by modern astronomy programs. The research examines the connections between cartography, astronomy, ancient history, chronology, and archaeology. Since the uncertainties of Delta-T are accountable for the accuracy of eclipse maps, special attention has been devoted to ancient key eclipses. Through the identification of the earliest solar eclipse traditions in the Near East, it recommends new chronological anchors to help astronomers, mapmakers, and editors of historical atlases. It suggests the acceptance of four eclipses of the Long Chronology between June 2353 B.C. and February 1659 B.C. for the rate of Earth’s rotation. Optimal combined selection of ancient historical eclipse records and traditions is presented, to obtain the best-fitting curve of Delta-T (clock-time error) that is the key for the accuracy of solar eclipse maps. Several early historical solar eclipses are identified with high probability.

Exoplanet Detection Using Machine Learning : A Comparative Study Using Kepler Mission Data

The search for habitable planets outside our solar system has captivated scientists throughout the centuries. Discovery and characterization of exoplanets have been one of the most important endeavors of modern astronomy. With various space missions, we have significantly expanded our observational capacity, resulting in an abundance of information about the universe. The influx of more data necessitates the development of techniques that can aid astronomers in processing all the information more efficiently and in an automated manner. Machine learning in recent years has become an indispensable paradigm to automate complex tasks that are possible only by humans. This work explores the application of machine learning to detect exoplanets from NASA’s Kepler mission. Our dataset comprises Kepler Objects of Interest (KOIs), encompassing their characteristic features and confirmed exoplanet status. We experiment with multiple supervised classification techniques including classical, tree-based, and neural methods. The best-performing model Histogram Gradient Boosting achieves a strong performance of 94.6% precision and 94.1% recall on a held-out dataset demonstrating the strong potential of integrating machine learning techniques into astronomy, potentially leading to new insights into planetary systems outside the solar system.

Automatic Parallel Tempering Markov Chain Monte Carlo with Nii-C

Due to the high dimensionality or multimodality that is common in modern astronomy, sampling Bayesian posteriors can be challenging. Several publicly available codes based on different sampling algorithms can solve these complex models, but the execution of the code is not always efficient or fast enough. The article introduces a C language general-purpose code, Nii-C, that implements a framework of automatic parallel tempering Markov Chain Monte Carlo. Automatic in this context means that the parameters that ensure an efficient parallel tempering process can be set by a control system during the inital stages of a sampling process. The autotuned parameters consist of two parts, the temperature ladders of all parallel tempering Markov Chains and the proposal distributions for all model parameters across all parallel tempering chains. In order to reduce dependencies in the compilation process and increase the code’s execution speed, Nii-C code is constructed entirely in the C language and parallelized using the message-passing interface protocol to optimize the efficiency of parallel sampling. These implementations facilitate rapid convergence in the sampling of high-dimensional and multimodal distributions, as well as the expeditious code execution time. The Nii-C code can be used in various research areas to trace complex distributions due to its high sampling efficiency and quick execution speed. This article presents a few applications of the Nii-C code.

Planet-driven spirals in protoplanetary discs: Limitations of the semi-analytical theory for observations

Context. Detecting protoplanets during their formation stage is an important but elusive goal of modern astronomy. Kinematic detections via the spiral wakes in the gaseous disc are a promising avenue to achieve this goal. Aims. We aim to test the applicability of a commonly used semi-analytical model for planet-induced spiral waves to observations in the low and intermediate planet mass regimes. In contrast to previous works that proposed using the semi-analytical model to interpret observations, in this study we analyse for the first time both the structure of the velocity and density perturbations. Methods. We ran a set of FARGO3D hydrodynamic simulations and compared them with the output of the semi-analytic model in the code WAKEFLOW. We divided the disc into two regions. We used the density and velocity fields from the simulation in the linear region, where density waves are excited. In the non-linear region, where density waves propagate through the disc, we then solved Burgers’ equation to obtain the density field, from which we computed the velocity field. Results. We find that the velocity field derived from the analytic theory is discontinuous at the interface between the linear and nonlinear regions. After ~0.2 rp from the planet, the behaviour of the velocity field closely follows that of the density perturbations. In the low mass limit, the analytical model is in qualitative agreement with the simulations, although it underestimates the azimuthal width and the amplitude of the perturbations, predicting a stronger decay but a slower azimuthal advance of the shock fronts. In the intermediate regime, the discrepancy increases, resulting in a different pitch angle between the spirals of the simulations and the analytic model. Conclusions. The implementation of a fitting procedure based on the minimisation of intensity residuals is bound to fail due to the deviation in pitch angle between the analytic model and the simulations. In order to apply this model to observations, it needs to be revisited so that it can also account for higher planet masses.

GRB 180128A: A second magnetar giant flare candidate from the Sculptor Galaxy

Magnetars are slowly rotating neutron stars that possess the strongest magnetic fields known in the cosmos (1014 − 1015 G). They display a range of transient high-energy electromagnetic activity. The brightest and most energetic of these events are the gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) known as magnetar giant flares (MGFs), with isotropic energies Eiso ≈ 1044 − 1046 erg. Only seven MGF detections have been made to date: three unambiguous events occurred in our Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds, and the other four MGF candidates are associated with nearby star-forming galaxies. As all seven identified MGFs are bright at Earth, additional weaker events likely remain unidentified in archival data. We conducted a search of the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor database for candidate extragalactic MGFs and, when possible, collected localization data from the Interplanetary Network (IPN) satellites. Our search yielded one convincing event, GRB 180128A. IPN localizes this burst within NGC 253, commonly known as the Sculptor Galaxy. The event is the second MGF in modern astronomy to be associated with this galaxy and the first time two bursts have been associated with a single galaxy outside our own. Here we detail the archival search criteria that uncovered this event and its spectral and temporal properties, which are consistent with expectations for a MGF. We also discuss the theoretical implications and finer burst structures resolved from various binning methods. Our analysis provides observational evidence of an eighth identified MGF.

Direct imaging of exoplanets: Legacy and prospects

Understanding how giant and terrestrial planets form and evolve, what is their internal structure and that of their atmosphere, represents one of the major challenges of modern astronomy, which is directly connected to the ultimate search for life at the horizon 2030–2050. However, several astrophysical (understanding of the formation and physics of giant and terrestrial exoplanets), biological (identification of the best biomarkers) and technological (technical innovations for the new generations of telescopes and instruments) obstacles must be overcome. From the astrophysical point of view, it is indeed crucial to understand the mechanisms of formation and evolution of giant planets, including planet and disk interactions, which will completely sculpt the planetary architectures and thus dominate the formation of terrestrial planets, especially in regions around the host star capable of supporting life. It is also important to develop dedicated instrumentation and techniques to study in their totality the population of giant and terrestrial planets, but also to reveal in the near future the first biological markers of life in the atmospheres of terrestrial planets. In that perspective, direct imaging from ground-based observatories or in space is playing a central role in concert with other observing techniques. In this paper, I will briefly review the genesis of this observing technique, the main instrumental innovation and challenges, stellar targets and surveys, to then present the main results obtained so far about the physics and the mechanisms of formation and evolution of young giant planets and planetary system architectures. I will then present the exciting perspectives offered by the upcoming generation of planet imagers about to come online, particularly on the future extremely large telescopes. On the timescale of a human Life, we may well be witnessing the first discovery of an exoplanet and the first detection of indices of life in the atmosphere of a nearby exo-Earth!

Review of Essays on Astronomical History and Heritage. A Tribute to Wayne Orchiston on his 80th Birthday. S. Gullberg, P. Robertson (eds.). Springer. 719 pgs.

Review of Essays on Astronomical History and Heritage. A Tribute to Wayne Orchiston on his 80th Birthday. S. Gullberg, P. Robertson (eds.). Springer. 719 pgs.

Effective multi-attribute group decision-making approach to study astronomy in the probabilistic linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy VIKOR framework

This study employs a novel fuzzy logic-based framework to address multi-attribute group decision-making problems commonly encountered in modern astronomy. Our approach utilizes the probabilistic linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (PLq-ROFS) to handle the inherent uncertainties associated with astronomical data. The PLq-ROFS offers significant advantages over existing fuzzy sets like probabilistic hesitant, linguistic intuitionistic, and linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy sets, which comprise both stochastic and non-stochastic uncertainties simultaneously. To aggregate the probabilistic linguistic decision information effectively, we propose two novel operators: the PLq-ROF weighted power average (PLq-ROFWPA) and the PLq-ROF weighted power geometric (PLq-ROFWPG). These operators form the foundation of a novel method within the PLq-ROF environment. Furthermore, this study integrates the PLq-ROF framework with the VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) model, a widely used decision-making (DM) tool known for its ability to balance group utility maximization with individual regret minimization. This integration leads to the PLq-ROF-VIKOR model, a novel approach for ranking alternative solutions based on the subjective preferences of decision-makers. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through a real-world case study in astronomy, accompanied by both parameter and comparative analyses. These analyses highlight the efficiency and accuracy of the PLq-ROF-VIKOR model, ultimately leading to the conclusion that cosmology is the most optimal key finding in this case study.

Preface

PROCEEDINGS International Symposium From the Universe Back to Earth: Developing Astronomy to Meet Today’s Natural Challenges The year 2023 is a very special one for Indonesian astronomy for two reasons: (1) the centennial of Bosscha Observatory, an establishment that marked the birth of modern astronomy (and an example of a scientific institution) in Southeast Asia, and (2) the passing of Total Solar Eclipse over Indonesia. This has been a unique time to draw attention to astronomy as a science that offers huge potential to contribute beyond astronomy itself, but closer to us all, that is to the achievement of sustainable development goals. This is also timely in keeping the COP28 resolution momentum high. This symposium aimed at clarifying the motivation to identify knowledges and skills in astronomy and astrophysics that push our contribution to saving Earth and strengthening collaborative networks that will expedite the achievement of the motivation. The symposium subtopics covered details of science and facilities developed in astronomy and astrophysics that could be useful in investigating and understanding the physical property and history of Earth as part of the solar system, but also as a unique planet. Better understanding of Earth would lead us to better caring for it. This idea has inspired a number of astronomical projects around the world to invest significant portions of their activities to study Earth, which are now developing into interesting projects in their own rights. With the challenges in understanding various natural phenomena on Earth we currently face, it is imperative that we lend our knowledge in astronomy and astrophysics, facilities, technologies, tools, to expedite our learning of the Earth system and work together with a wider field of expertise relevant to the effort of saving our Earth. Meanwhile, we realize the crucial role of education and capacity building in all parts of work. In the education sector, astronomy is popular to all age groups, making it relatively easier for astronomers to engage the public. The reasons that make astronomy appealing to all are precisely the ones that make astronomy a good entrance to STEAM education. Astronomy is universal and inspirational, relates to all sciences, pushes technology forward, and invites people to reflect. Those reasons are woven to construct the goals of learning STEAM via astronomy, which are: (1) To raise awareness and comprehension of the physical world and natural causal relation; (2) To promote rational perception and respect towards abiotic and biotic environments, including human being; (3) To promote curiosity, knowledge, skill, creativity in STEAM; and (4) To promote positive participation and mindfulness. Those four goals resemble and emphasize the key spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals. The SOC members, representing various STEAM elements and world regions, bring in their respective expertise, experiences, and networks, reflecting the coverage of the subtopics that embed the goals. The SOC members, and invited speakers, reflect the covered subtopics, represent world regions (thus experiences), and the symposium inclusive spirit. This symposium also accommodated learning experience from works at the interface with relevant public and education sectors. It was held in the first week of October 2023, in a university setting to allow the message to reverberate across academia. Participation were in form of oral and poster presentations, group discussions, and exhibition contribution. The symposium was conducted on hybrid platform to allow wider audience, consisted of plenary of invited and contributed talks with fair allotted time for each. An adjacent room was used for posters and exhibitions of astronomical instruments and hands-on educational materials. We gratefully acknowledge support from the Rector of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of ITB, Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian pada Masyarakat of ITB, Common Room, Imahnoong, and all who have dedicated their time and resources to ensure the success of this symposium, indeed this new endeavour of astronomy for Earth and humanity. List of Editors, Pages, Symposium details, Organizers, Key Topics, Invited Speakers and Titles and Abstracts are available in this pdf.

How Are the Abnormally Hot Chromosphere and Corona Heated by the Solar Magnetic Fields?

The corona is a structure possessed by stars, including the Sun. The abnormal heating of the solar corona and chromosphere is one of the greatest mysteries in modern astronomy. While state-of-the-art observations have identified some candidates of magnetic activity events that could be responsible for this abnormal heating, and theoretical studies have proposed various heating modes, a complete physical picture of how they are heated as a whole remains elusive. In this study, the characteristics of the heated corona and chromosphere are investigated, and for the first time, the question of how they are abnormally heated is explicitly answered by analyzing the long-term observations of the global chromosphere in the Ca ii K line and the global corona in the coronal green line. The findings reveal that both the quiet chromosphere and corona are in antiphase with the solar cycle, whereas the active chromosphere and corona are in phase with it. Different parts of the solar corona and chromosphere exhibit significantly different variation characteristics and are found to be heated by different magnetic categories and probably in different modes. This study posits that unraveling the heating mystery is best approached through the lens of magnetic categories, rather than magnetic activity events.

The Ushnus in the astronomy of the Inca culture

AbstractInferences are made about the relationship that existed between the Ushnus, pyramid‐shaped, terraced structures used by the Incas in the most important ceremonies of the Tawantinsuyo, and Inka Astronomy. We draw attention to Ayni, Kawsaypacha, Duality, and Tinkuy principles, multidimensional codes of conduct and wisdom that are at the root of the Andean cosmovision and on their perception of the world and the Cosmos. These principles, examined as postulates, allow to elaborate axiomatic propositions to identify the Ushnus with ancient Astronomy practices. In a complementary statement, starting from a bi‐conditional proposition, we may infer through reciprocal corollaries that the Inka earliest roots to a holistic learning and educational ambient in the Tawantinsuyo was not elitist, instead it was based on a epistemological construct that differs from the corresponding Western educational ambients. An epistemological and cognitive approach allows to identify an ancient elaborate process of knowledge construction, based on the four fundamental principles, corresponding to different levels of assimilation and comprehension. As a complementary aspect, we identify some of the most preserved Ushnus of the Inka “Empire.” Then we complement this contribution with a broader interpretation for the Ushnus.

Disentangling the Black Hole Mass Spectrum with Photometric Microlensing Surveys

From the formation mechanisms of stars and compact objects to nuclear physics, modern astronomy frequently leverages surveys to understand populations of objects to answer fundamental questions. The population of dark and isolated compact objects in the Galaxy contains critical information related to many of these topics, but is only practically accessible via gravitational microlensing. However, photometric microlensing observables are degenerate for different types of lenses, and one can seldom classify an event as involving either a compact object or stellar lens on its own. To address this difficulty, we apply a Bayesian framework that treats lens type probabilistically and jointly with a lens population model. This method allows lens population characteristics to be inferred despite intrinsic uncertainty in the lens class of any single event. We investigate this method’s effectiveness on a simulated ground-based photometric survey in the context of characterizing a hypothetical population of primordial black holes (PBHs) with an average mass of 30M ⊙. On simulated data, our method outperforms current black hole (BH) lens identification pipelines and characterizes different subpopulations of lenses while jointly constraining the PBH contribution to dark matter to ≈25%. Key to robust inference, our method can marginalize over population model uncertainty. We find the lower mass cutoff for stellar origin BHs, a key observable in understanding the BH mass gap, particularly difficult to infer in our simulations. This work lays the foundation for cutting-edge PBH abundance constraints to be extracted from current photometric microlensing surveys.

The Annual Difference: How a Four-Century Debate between Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist Thinkers on a Problem of Classical Exegesis Shaped a Predictive Mathematical Construct

In China, the precession of the equinoxes was conceptualized as an “annual difference” (suicha 歲差) between the tropical and sidereal year. The idea was introduced in the fourth century, it saw universal acceptance from the eighth century on, and it was in the four centuries in between that it was tried, debated, and spread whilst a Mediterranean-origin concept thereof arrived from India. Its four-century journey from fringe idea to universal truth is a well-studied point of interest in the history of astronomy. In this article, we will shift focus to the idea’s polymathic protagonists and epistemic foundations to explore how a scientific idea was born, debated, transmitted, and taught in Confucian commentary and, no less important, how politics, geography, regional schools, foreign transmission, and the Buddhist and Daoist religions shaped how thinkers engaged with it as individuals and as communities. Inspired by the work of Chen Kanli and Randall Collins, the goal is to show that there is nothing simple or inexorable about how even an empirically useful tool of predictive astronomical modeling is received in the relevant expert community, as it is but one element in a complex network of people and ideas aligning and opposing in ever-evolving strategies to assert relevance.

Direct Detection of Cosmic Rays with the Dark Matter Particle Explorer

The origin, acceleration, and propagation of high-energy cosmic rays is one of the most important questions in modern physics and astronomy. To fully uncover such a mystery, precise measurements of the energy spectra and anisotropies of cosmic rays, as well as multi-wavelength electromagnetic radiation from various types of energetic objects are required. The direct measurements of energy spectra of different species via particle detectors in space are an essential way to study cosmic ray physics. China launched the first space astronomical satellite, the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) in the end of 2015, which keeps operation in space for more than 7 years. The DAMPE has a relatively large acceptance and a high energy resolution, and has made important progresses in measuring the spectral structures of cosmic ray protons, helium nuclei, and boron-to-carbon and boron-to-oxygen ratios. These new measurements bring new insights in understanding the origin and propagation of cosmic rays. This paper reviews the instrumentation and operation of DAMPE, with an emphasis on its scientific results and physical implications in cosmic ray studies.

Astronomy Paradigm Shift: Challenging the Big Bang through Interuniversal Phenomena Elucidating the Complex Governing Mechanisms of Solar Dynamics

Context: The Big Bang theory has been a cornerstone of modern astronomy and astrophysics, providing a comprehensive model for the universe’s origin and expansion. Rooted in Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, the Big Bang postulates a universe expanding from a singularity, with supporting evidence from the observed ratios of primordial elements such as helium, hydrogen, and lithium, consistent with predictions from thermodynamics and particle physics. Aims: Our research offers an alternative perspective on the universe’s creation, proposing a different source that challenges the prevailing Big Bang model. This investigation, originally focused on the origins of the universe, led to unexpected discoveries regarding solar system phenomena. Methods: Through extensive study of the Sun, we uncovered that it is subject to intricate physical interactions and interuniversal influences, revealing a mutual influence between universes. Results: Our findings, in this first study of its kind, not only propose a new understanding of the universe’s origin but also elucidate the complex mechanisms governing solar dynamics. Conclusions: This dual achievement opens new avenues for exploring cosmology and stellar physics, presenting a paradigm shift in our comprehension of the cosmos.

Nicolaus Copernicus and medicine - 550th anniversary of the birth and 480th anniversary of the death of a scientist who turned the view of the world upside down

This year sees the 550th anniversary of the birth and 480th anniversary of the death of Nicolaus Copernicus, internationally recognized as the father of modern astronomy, who ?stopped the Sun, moved the Earth? and turned the view of the world upside down. However, the fame of Nicolaus Copernicus is not referred only to the fields of astronomy, mathematics, canon and civil law, as well as theology, economy and diplomacy. This Renaissance polymath was also one of the most respected practicing physicians at the time. Noteworthy, Nicolaus Copernicus paid special attention to the poor, supplying them with free medical advice, assistance and medicines. Therefore, our paper deals with this less known aspect of the famous scientist?s life.

Chinese Transformation of Christian Cosmology in Late Ming and Early Qing : Jesuit Missionaries between Western Modern Astronomy and Traditional Chinese Astronomy

Chinese Transformation of Christian Cosmology in Late Ming and Early Qing : Jesuit Missionaries between Western Modern Astronomy and Traditional Chinese Astronomy

Analyzing Earth's Position based on the Anisotropic Characteristics of Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation

This paper elaborates on the results of an exhaustive study regarding the Earth's position in the universe based on the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation map, which is the latest discovery in modern astronomy. CMB radiation provides crucial insights into the early distribution of mass and energy in the universe. The aim of this research is to understand the theory and mechanisms behind the formation of polarity structures in the CMB and analyze their correlation with Earth's position in the overall structure of the universe. Intensity measurement data of CMB radiation published by COBE, WMAP, and Planck present temperature distribution data in coordinates in FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) format files. Subsequently, a spherical harmonic transformation is performed to obtain spherical harmonic coefficients a_lm as equations that represent dipole, quadrupole, octupole models, and various other multipole models. The analysis of the correlation in the temperature distribution of CMB radiation involves detailing various patterns found in the dipole, quadrupole, and octopole models, demonstrating quasi-symmetry characteristics with Earth at its center. An analysis of anisotropic CMB data yields an interesting hypothesis that the Earth's position plays a role in shaping the structure of the universe on a certain scale. Even more extremely, it can be said that Earth is at the center of the universe. This finding prompts profound contemplation about Earth's position in the structure of the cosmos, opening the door for further research in this field.

Tylko jedna strona Księżyca. Uwagi o historii astronomii w książce Karen ní Mheallaigh The Moon in the Greek and Roman Imagination

Karen ní Mheallaigh, The Moon in the Greek and Roman Imagination. Myth, Literature, Science and Philosophy, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2020 (Greek Culture in the Roman World), DOI 10.1017/9781108685726, ss. 322 Karen ní Mheallaigh’s study The Moon in the Greek and Roman Imagination (Cambridge 2020) aims to discuss how the Moon was present in ancient Greek culture, literature, and science. The subject is examined through the lens of literary studies, yet the author remains open to the perspectives offered by the history of science. The book analyzes the motif of the Moon in Greek literature and natural philosophy: myths, various opinions about its physical nature, deliberations about its inhabitants, and imaginary lunar journeys. The subjects addressed in the book are thoroughly examined in the context of the era. The author, however, does not define the scope of the book precisely and tacitly omits the Moon in Roman literature and the history of astronomy unless it relates to natural philosophy. She also makes groundless guesses about scientific instruments in antiquity and compares ancient literary fiction to modern scientific knowledge.