What did ancient Chinese astronomers record about meteorites?
Chinese records describe meteors, meteor showers, fireballs and falling stones over more than two thousand years, among the longest continuous records in the world.
Ancient Chinese astronomers kept careful records of events in the sky, believing they were connected to earthly affairs. As a result, China has one of the longest continuous records of meteors, comets, eclipses and other phenomena.
Meteor showers. Chinese records mention meteor showers going back to around the seventh century BCE. A record from 687 BCE describing stars falling like rain is often linked to the Lyrid meteor shower. Records of the Perseids and other showers appear in later centuries. These records have helped astronomers study how meteor showers have changed over time.
Fireballs and falling stones. Chinese histories record many falls of stones from the sky. One frequently cited record describes a fall in 211 BCE, when a stone fell near the Yellow River and was inscribed with a message criticising the emperor, according to the historical account. Many other falls are mentioned in official histories and local records.
Comets. Chinese records of comets, including appearances of Halley's Comet since at least 240 BCE, are invaluable for calculating the comet's past orbits.
Interpretations. Meteors and comets were often seen as omens related to the fortunes of rulers. Despite these beliefs, the observations were often precise, recording dates, directions and descriptions.
Modern uses. Scientists use these ancient records to study the history of meteor showers, the frequency of fireballs and the orbits of comets.
Chinese records show how long humans have watched the sky and how observations from long ago can still help modern science.