ancient astronomical instrument; first four stars of Big Dipper
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
ancient Chinese armillary sphere or astronomical instrument
archaicRefers to the 'xuánjī yúhéng' (璇玑玉衡), an ancient Chinese astronomical instrument used to observe celestial bodies, similar to an armillary sphere.
The armillary sphere was an important astronomical observation instrument in ancient China.
Zhang Heng of the Han Dynasty improved the structure of the armillary sphere.
noun
ancient name for the first four stars of the Big Dipper (Dubhe, Merak, Phecda, Megrez)
archaicIn traditional Chinese astronomy, refers to the first four stars of the Big Dipper (Tiānshū/Dubhe, Tiánxuán/Merak, Tiānjī/Phecda, Tiānquán/Megrez), also known as the 'dipper' or 'kui' (魁) part of the constellation.
Ancient people determined seasonal changes by observing the first four stars of the Big Dipper.
The Xuánjī includes four stars: Tiānshū, Tiánxuán, Tiānjī, and Tiānquán.