Purple Mountain Observatory History

Author: Jiang Xiaoyuan / Wu Yan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Purple Mountain Observatory is a modern astronomical observatory built by Chinese astronomers. Although the history of Purple Mountain Observatory is not long, strictly speaking, only this line is the true beginning of the "modernization of Chinese astronomy" – the Xujiayi Observatory and Qingdao Observatory before it were actually astronomical observatories built by Europeans, merely located in the Far East. Therefore, this book focuses primarily on the line of Purple Mountain Observatory.
Postscript: Last night, the stars still twinkle – Reading "History of Purple Mountain Observatory" by Dong Yuyu
Among China's numerous mountains, Purple Mountain is renowned largely because of its connection with astronomy. As the saying goes, "Mountains need not be high, but if they have immortals, they are famous." As one of Nanjing's famous scenic spots, perhaps many have seen its beauty. However, the origins of Purple Mountain's connection with astronomy, and its unique role in the development of modern Chinese astronomy, are not well-known to the public. Reading the newly written "History of Purple Mountain Observatory" by renowned astronomy historian Jiang Xiaoyuan and his academic assistant Wu Yan not only allows us to learn about the past of this sacred scientific site but also about the arduous journey of the rebirth of Chinese astronomy.
Like laying a foundation before building an observatory, the authors begin their introduction to Purple Mountain Observatory with the background of the transition from ancient to modern Chinese astronomy. Ancient Chinese astronomy once flourished but stagnated since the Ming Dynasty, unable to step into the threshold of modern science. The beginning of the transformation of Chinese astronomy into modern science was sparked by the influence of Western science. Part of the "History of Purple Mountain Observatory" explores the general development of the introduction of Western astronomy to China during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. From Xu Guangqi using Western astronomical methods to calculate solar eclipses, Chinese astronomy embarked on the long journey of modernization. However, the path was filled with thorns. Conservative forces remained resentful of the new methods proposed by Western missionaries, and the "Chongzhen Astronomical Tables," compiled based on these new methods, were not adopted. The struggle between the old and new factions over the calendar was marked by bloodshed. Western missionaries involved in compiling and revising the "Chongzhen Astronomical Tables," such as Johann Adam Schall von Bell, were even imprisoned. Although the new methods ultimately prevailed and the tables were adopted, and despite emperors like Kangxi showing interest in Western astronomy, Chinese astronomy remained trapped in traditional conventions. Until the late Qing Dynasty, astronomy's primary role was still to serve the imperial astrology.
Later, although colonizers established astronomical observation institutions such as the Xujiayi Observatory, the She Mountain Observatory, and the Qingdao Observatory, they were all managed by foreigners, leaving China without a modern astronomical observatory of its own. Meanwhile, Western astronomy, as the authors note, "had already crossed the starting line of modern astronomy."
After setting the background, the authors vividly depict the creation and development of Purple Mountain Observatory. Through systematic organization of a wealth of precious historical photographs, astronomical observation images, and textual records, they present the complete process of planning, selecting the site, surveying, construction, and development of Purple Mountain Observatory. Many may not know that the establishment of the observatory in Purple Mountain, Nanjing, was influenced by non-scientific factors. After Chiang Kai-shek established the Nationalist government in Nanjing in 1927, he formed the "Time Policy Committee" to compile the calendar, as issuing calendars symbolized governance in traditional Chinese thought. Unforeseenly, non-scientific reasons led to a scientific achievement. Dedicated predecessors in astronomy overcame numerous hardships to finally lead the construction of China's first modern astronomical observatory. From planning, site selection, surveying, construction to completion, many stories unfolded. The authors, in chronological order, skillfully blend the history of science and social history, outlining the arduous journey of building the observatory.
Today, building pavilions, towers, and villas in scenic areas seems simple, but in the past, establishing an astronomical observatory in Purple Mountain was accomplished amid internal turmoil, external threats, frequent wars, and challenges such as lack of technical experience, financial shortages, war threats, and personnel interference. Astronomers, driven by a strong dream of saving the nation through science, endured immense hardships to build China's first truly modern astronomical observatory.
Perhaps listening to the passionate speech of one of the founders, the renowned astrophysicist Yu Qingsong, can better convey the urgency of scientists' desire to save the nation through science: "There are many ways to save the nation and its people, but in the long run, nothing is more important than education, especially scientific education. In today's perilous times, if we can strive to build it as soon as possible, it will have a resounding effect in boosting the morale of the people and uniting them for the nation's salvation!"
As the book introduces the history of the observatory, it naturally involves the introduction of related astronomical knowledge and instruments. Drawing on years of research in the history of astronomy, the authors provide concise and clear popular science explanations of the astronomical knowledge and related instruments involved, such as the scientific basis for site selection, the function of the ancient armillary sphere and clepsydra, and the role of the 600mm equatorial reflector. These explanations, combined with images and data, not only offer an intuitive display of the instruments and facilities but also provide appropriate evaluations of their scientific content and functions. This makes the reading experience both enjoyable and educational, allowing readers to understand the complete development process while gaining valuable astronomical knowledge.
If the construction of Purple Mountain Observatory helps us understand the sincere hearts of our predecessors in saving the nation through science, then reading about their relentless pursuit and scientific exploration in astronomy can better reveal their passion for science and dedication to it. After the establishment of the Astronomical Research Institute in 1927, figures like Gao Lu and Yu Qingsong carried out astronomical observations and research under extremely difficult conditions while actively tracking the forefront of world astronomy and striving to integrate into it. At the Fourth Pacific Science Conference in 1939, Yu Qingsong represented China; in 1934, Chen Zungen participated in an international collaboration project on short-period variable stars; and in 1935, the Fifth General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union was held in Paris, where Gao Pingzi and others attended, and Gao Lu, Yu Qingsong, and others were admitted as members, marking China's official entry into the International Astronomical Union. In June 1936, Yu Qingsong and Chen Zungen traveled to Hokkaido, Japan, for the international observation of a total solar eclipse. After the outbreak of the War of Resistance, personnel moved south to Kunming and built another observatory on Fenghuang Mountain to continue their work. The book details the 1941 observation of a total solar eclipse under Japanese air raids. Observers crossed deadly lines and traveled thousands of miles from Kunming to Lintao to complete the eclipse observation mission, delivering popular science lectures and promotional activities along the way. This was a "scientific" of sorts! It left behind not only scientific observation data and images but also the precious spirit of pursuing and dedicating oneself to science!
During the war, many suffered from lack of food and clothing, yet even when "there was nothing to borrow and nothing to sell," some researchers still devoted themselves to astronomical studies. This was only possible with unwavering faith and a spirit of self-sacrifice for science.
After the of war and the passage of time, Purple Mountain Observatory has moved from yesterday to today, and the cause of modern Chinese astronomy has continued to advance. The history after 1949 involves many sensitive figures and events, but the authors do not delve further. However, to reflect the observatory's current state, a chapter titled "Today's Purple Mountain Observatory" is included in the main text, providing an introduction to its research status and achievements to maintain as much completeness as possible. In the subsequent section on achievements and figures, the research accomplishments before 1949 and the pioneers of modern Chinese astronomy, such as Gao Lu, Gao Pingzi, Yu Qingsong, Zhang Yuzhe, and Chen Zungen, are introduced separately, giving readers a comprehensive understanding of the observatory's scientific achievements and the important contributions of key figures to the development of modern Chinese astronomy.
Today, Purple Mountain Observatory, as one of China's important research institutions, is moving toward the goal of becoming a first-class base for astronomical fundamental research, applied research, related high-tech research, a high-level talent training center, and a world-class astronomical research center. Although history has passed, looking back leaves us not just interesting stories. The spirit of exploration, pursuit, and dedication to science demonstrated in the establishment and development of Purple Mountain Observatory shines like last night's stars in the vast sky today, forever worthy of admiration!