What did Eclipse Prediction Algorithm look like?

Mathematical algorithms and calendrical parameters, not a physical artifact. Presented in calendars as tables and formulas giving eclipse years, eclipse months, and eclipse moments.

How did Eclipse Prediction Algorithm work?

Compute solar and lunar positions → determine whether both bodies are simultaneously near the lunar nodes → lunar eclipse: full moon when Moon-Earth-Sun are aligned → solar eclipse: new moon when Moon-Earth-Sun are aligned → predict eclipse time, magnitude, and visibility zone.

← DiscoveriesB-Tier · Significant

交食预测算法

Eclipse Prediction Algorithm

Formula-based computation of solar and lunar eclipse timing, built on eclipse cycles and lunar orbital node motion to construct a mathematical prediction model.

交食预测

Scientific Principle

Eclipse limits: solar eclipse requires new moon within ±18.5° of a node; lunar eclipse requires full moon within ±12.2° of a node. Saros cycle: 223 synodic months ≈ 242 nodical months.

交食预测算法

Eclipse Prediction Algorithm

Scientific Principle

Related · 汉代