UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO
INDIAN
ASTRONOMY
Highlight the contribution of the early
civilization to the study of astronomy
Activity 1. Guess the Picture
Shown, students can guess the phrases or words related to them. By using
those words or phrases, they can now identify what could be the topic.
INDIAN ASTRONOMY
At the end of this lesson, students are expected to:
1. Explain and identify the contribution of Early Indians as well their
methods of predicting eclipses and making calendars in the study of
astronomy.
2. Create a basic model of an ancient Indian astronomical
instrument (sundial) using simple materials.
3. Cite at least five (5) significances of Indian astronomy.
INDIAN ASTRONOMY
Indus Valley Civilization (2600 BCE -1900 BCE)
The earliest known astronomical observation in India.
Jyotisha (1500 BCE to 500 BCE). - The first systematic astronomical
observations and calculations.
Also known as Vedic astrologers, made a sophisticated
astronomical system that include a calendar based on the sun
and moon’s movements along with the stars.
Ancient Indian Sages (The Hrishis)
They were able to gather information about the stars and celestial
bodies through a combination of observation, intuition, and
mythological stories. They believed that the stars and planets were
made up of ether which was an invisible, weightless substance that filled
the cosmos.
They developed highly accurate methods for measuring time and
tracking the movements of the stars and planets.
• Complex mathematical formula
• Astronomical tables
Activity II. Group Activity
Solar System Model
Objective: To be able to have a 2d model that will help them to have a look at the
solar system with the stars and the direction of planets revolving around the sun.
Procedures:
Materials:
1. (G1) Using the big box/cardboard, students should make it a
Cardboard/ Big Box
box where there is enough space inside. It should have an
Different colored clay open door.
Tiny tire wires 2. (G2) Students should paint the Styrofoam balls with the
Styrofoam balls colors of the planets.
3. (G3) They can now arrange the balls (planets) to the tire
Acrylic paint
wire
4. (G4) And arrange the model in correct placements.
Scholars such as Aryabhata,
Brahmagupta, and Bhaskara II made
significant contributions to the field,
including the development of trigonometry
and the discovery of new astronomical
phenomena.
In the 5th century BCE, the
great Indian astronomer
Aryabhata developed a new
model of the solar system,
which placed the Sun at the
center of the universe and
explained the apparent
motions of the planets
using a system of epicycles.
Another prominent Indian
astronomer was Brahmagupta,
who lived in the 7th century CE.
Brahmagupta developed the
concept of zero and he also
developed a comprehensive
model of the solar system, which
included the movements of the
planets.
The Indian astronomer
Varahamihira, who lived in
the 6th century CE, made
important contributions to
the study of eclipses and
the measurement of time.
He also developed a
system of astrology, which
is still widely practiced in
India today.
Apart from this linkage of astronomy with astrology in ancient India,
science of astronomy continued to develop independently, and
culminated into original findings, like:
The calculation of occurrences of eclipses
Determination of Earth's circumference
Theorizing about the theory of gravitation
Determining that sun was a star and determination of number of
planets under our solar system
The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of six
major observatories built by the Maharajah.
The one in Jaipur not only follows the
movements of the sun and the moon to
help determine auspicious dates for events,
it also helps map out the position of the
stars in the sky. Although no telescopic
instruments were available at the time, the
precise observation of the stars was greatly
facilitated by observatories such as Jantar
Mantar
Key Findings and Importance of Indian Astronomy
• Calculation of time and Calendars
Indian astronomers developed sophisticated mathematical systems for calculating
time, which were used to create calendars for religious and agricultural purposes.
• Observation of Celestial Objects
Indian astronomers made detailed observations of celestial objects such as stars,
planets, and comets. They also recorded the movement of these objects and
developed mathematical models to explain their behavior.
• Cultural Significance
Astronomy has played an important role in Indian culture, influencing art, literature,
and religion. For example, Hindu mythology contains numerous stories about the
stars and planets, and many festivals are celebrated based on astronomical events.
• Emphasis on observation
Indian astronomers were keen observers of the sky, and they made detailed and
precise observations of the positions and movements of the stars and planets. They
developed sophisticated instruments such as the astrolabe and the sundial to aid in
their observations.
ASTROLABE SUNDIAL
• Model of the solar system
In the 5th century CE, the Indian astronomer Aryabhata developed a model of the solar
system that placed the Sun at the center of the universe, with the Earth and other
planets orbiting around it. This heliocentric model was revolutionary for its time and
influenced the development of later astronomical models in Europe and the Islamic
world.
• Planetary motion
The Indian astronomer Bhaskara II made important contributions to the study of
planetary motion, developing a model that accounted for the variations in the speed of
the planets as they move through their orbits. He also developed a method for
calculating the positions of the planets using epicycles.
• Eclipses
The Indian astronomers were skilled at predicting solar and lunar eclipses,
considered of great religious and astrological significance. They developed
various methods for predicting eclipses, including using astronomical tables and
studying the motions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Their methods were used by
astronomers around the world and helped to advance our understanding of
eclipses
• Education
Indian astronomers developed a rich tradition of astronomy education, with
specialized schools and universities that trained students in the art and science
of observing the sky. These educational institutions helped to spread knowledge
of astronomy throughout India and beyond.
What I have Learned!
Now that you have read all the concepts and content of Indian astronomy and their
contributions, answer the following questions to assess your learnings in our topic.
1. What various methods for predicting eclipses were used by Indian astronomers?
2. What did Indian astronomer Bhaskara II have contributed to astronomy?
3. What did Indian astronomer Aryabhata develop in the 15th century CE?
4. What is the use of astrolabe and sundial?
5. How did the ancient Indian astronomers signify the cultural aspect of astronomy?
6. What characteristics did the Indian astronomers have back in the day in order for them
to predict the time, motion, and movement of the celestial body in the sky?
What I have Learned!
Now that you have read all the concepts and content of Indian astronomy and their
contributions, answer the following questions to assess your learnings in our topic.
1. What did Indian astronomers develop for creating time?
2. When are the earliest references to astronomy in ancient India found?
3. Why is it significant that the Rig Veda, dated 2000 BC, contains references to
astronomy?
4. Who was responsible for the earliest systematic astronomical observations
and calculations in India?
5. How did the Jyotisha contribute to the development of a calendar?
6. How might the calendar developed by the Jyotisha have been used in daily life
in ancient India?
Activity 3: What time is it? Sundial!
Objectives: In this activity, students are expected to learn how to use the Sundial which is an
ancient instrument used to locate the positions of the planets and stars and also to
determine the time.
Materials:
Paper
Pencil
Marker
Scissor
Cardboard
Glue
Directions:
1. Students will form a group of six
2. Cut the paper into a big circle the size of a common wall clock
3. Write the numbers at the edge of the circle paper
4. Make a hole at the center of a piece of paper and make a pencil
stand on it
5. Students will position the made sundial under the sun
6. Observe the shadow of the pencil to where it points in the number
written
Sundial sample for activity
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!
