徐光启天文计量思想探析

Analyse Xu Guangqi's Thoughts of Measurement on Astronomy

徐光启为解决明末时间计量的统一问题,明确了以恒星定时作为计时基准校正其他计时系统的定时原则;将计时与定向结合参验,并引入多种仪器复合定向,以提升定向的准确度;通过引介西方计量概念如地球经纬度、里差和时差等,促成了中国天文计量与西方的接轨;通过对传统里差概念进行重新定义和调整,使其顺利地与西方地球观念相适应。徐光启对天文计量原理的阐释,为中国传统天文计量向近代天文计量的转变奠定了基础。

In order to solve the unified problem of time measurement at the end of the Ming Dynasty,Xu Guangqi clarified the timing principle of“Tianxing”(stellar)as a timing benchmark to correct other timing systems.He combined timing and orientation for testing and calibration,and introduced a variety of instruments for composite orientation to improve the accuracy of orientation.By introducing the concepts of latitude and longitude of earth,distance difference(Li Cha)which was made an adaptive distinction and adjustment,and time difference(Shi Cha),he built a bridge for the transition between Chinese and western astronomical concepts.His interpretation of the principles of astronomical metrology,has laid a theoretical foundation for the transformation from traditional Chinese astronomy to modern astronomy.