王锡阐天文观测略考

Wang Xichan's Astronomical Observation

梳理和分析了关于王锡阐天文观测的史料,指出王锡阐对日食的观测精度不仅优于前人,而且与崇祯四年(1631)用望远镜观测的精度相近。通过将《西洋新法历书》和《晓庵新法》部分数据的比较显示,后者并不是简单因袭前者,而是对前者的数值进行了仔细的修正。比较《晓庵新法》和《西洋新法历书》中的五星距地距离,指出王锡阐的数据甚至比第谷所确定的数值更加接近现代值,再通过分析《五星行度解》中计算行星视行度的公式,探讨了王锡阐确定这一数值的可能的方法。基于以上分析,指出王锡阐是有可能在30年孜孜不倦的天文观测的基础上修正《西洋新法历书》数据的。

This paper combs historical texts about Wang Xichan＇s astronomical observation and points out that Wang＇s precision of solar eclipse is superior to that of traditional Chinese measurements. Even in the time of eclipse, his results are close to what had been done through telescope in1631. By comparing the portion of date in Xiyang Xinfa Lishu and Xiao＇an Xinfa, the paper demonstrates that the latter is under careful correction and revision. Especially, the values of the Saturn and Jupiter distance to the Earth are even more approximate to the modern value than Tycho Brahe＇s. Based on the analysis of text in preface to Xiao＇an Xinfa, Xiyang Xinfa Lishu, the paper restores Wang＇s method to ascertaining the distance of five planets to the earth by measuring their quickness, slowness,stationaries and backwardness. Analysis of historical texts and comparison of data are adequate proof that it was possible for Wang to make his correction and revision based on his own astronomical observation with high precision in thirty years..