| Date |
Event |
| 3500BC ?3000BC |
The use of lunar calendar by the Sumerains. |
| 3000BC - 2500BC |
A solar calendar is used in Egypt. |
| 2500BC ?2000BC |
The Babylonians adopted the use of a better
form of lunar calendar. |
| 2300BC |
The earliest astronomical observations are
made by Chinese and Babylonian astronomers including the observations of
comets and constellations. |
| 2000BC ?1500BC |
Mathematics was used to plot planetary
positions. The stellar constellations were identified. |
| 1000BC ?500BC |
Early Greek philosopher visualises rational
theories of the universe. The concept of infinity was introduced into
cosmology by Anaximander. |
| 400BC -300BC |
Aristotle devised fully comprehensive
cosmology with a rational account of all physical phenomena. |
| 353BC |
A Supernova explosion is recorded by
Chinese astronomers. |
| 260BC |
The idea of a sun centred universe is
proposed by Greek astronomer Aristarchus of Samos. |
| 240BC |
Earth’s circumference is calculated by
Greek astronomer Eratosthenes of Cyrene. |
| 230BC |
Erathosthenes of Cyrene estimates the
circumference of the Earth, close to current estimation |
| 200BC - 100BC |
Hipparchus constructed the most accurate
ancient star catalogue. |
| 150BC |
The precession of the equinoxes is
discovered by the Greek astronomer Hipparchus of Nicaea. |
| 100BC - 100AD |
Greek astronomy perfected by Ptolemy whose
system was that Earth was the centre of the universe. |
| 3AD |
Aristarchus of Samois argues Sun is the centre of the Solar
System
|
| 150AD |
Earth centred theory of the universe is put
forward by the Greek-Egyptian astronomer Ptolemy in his book called the
Almagest. |
| 200AD |
Ptolemy (Egyptian astronomer) develops his
theory of Earth is the centre of the Solar System. (the dominant theory
of the middle age) |
| 365AD |
Moons of Jupiter are discovered by Chinese
astronomers using the naked eye. |
