REPOST Hipparchus: Mapping the Stars, Measuring the Earth

Math Science History with Gabrielle Birchak

Long before telescopes and satellites, Hipparchus of Nicaea looked to the skies and changed the course of scientific history. In this fascinating episode of Math Science History, Gabrielle revisits the life and legacy of the ancient astronomer whose innovations in trigonometry, geography, and star mapping still resonate today. From discovering axial precession to laying the groundwork for the astrolabe, Hipparchus helped humanity understand our place in the cosmos: mathematically, geographically, and philosophically.

Three Key Take-Aways

How Hipparchus measured the Earth's axial precession and why this was a monumental scientific discovery.

The mathematical brilliance behind his trigonometric tables and how they informed tools like the astrolabe.

How ancient astronomy evolved into cartography, influencing how we view geography and time today.

Resources & References

Griffith Observatory Astronomers Monument: https://griffithobservatory.org

Ptolemy's Almagest: Loeb Classical Library

Hipparchus in The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://iep.utm.edu/hipparchus/

Cosimo Bartoli’s Del modo di misurare: https://archive.org/details/delmododimisurar00bart

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