Ancient Astronomical Instruments of Beijing (Early Qing)

Timeline

1. 1660–1664Beijing Ancient Observatory · BeijingThe observatory continued using large bronze instruments from the Ming and partly Yuan dynasties to determine the positions of the sun, moon, and five planets; the instrument set worked closely with the Astronomical Bureau's calendrical calculations, forming the hardware basis of early Qing astronomical observation.
2. 1664–1667Beijing Ancient Observatory · BeijingThe Calendar Case led to the dismissal of Western-calendar personnel and disorder in the observation system; the observatory's precision instruments temporarily could not play their core role within the Astronomical Bureau, and astronomical observation activities were significantly reduced.
3. 1668–1670Beijing Ancient Observatory · BeijingThe Kangxi Emperor ordered the resumption of the Shixian calendar and the holding of observational tests; the ancient observatory's instruments were again used to verify the accuracy of Western methods, laying the foundation for Verbiest's leadership of the Astronomical Bureau and the subsequent casting of large new instruments.