Âé¶¹Éç

Use Âé¶¹Éç.com or the new Âé¶¹Éç App to listen to Âé¶¹Éç podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Episode details

World Service,1 min

Tracking Jupiter on clay tablets

Science In Action

Available for over a year

New research shows the ancient Babylonians were using geometrical calculations to track Jupiter across the night sky as early as 350-50BC. Previously, this technique was thought to have developed from around 1400AD. Dr. Mathieu Ossendrijver, who trained in both astrophysics and the cuneiform writing system used by the Babylonians, made the discovery. Photo: Babylonian clay tablet and geometric chart. Trustees of the British Museum/Mathieu Ossendrijver.

Programme Website
More episodes