Eclipses in Ancient China Spurred Science, Beheadings?

The earliest known recorded solar eclipse in about 2100 B.C. surprised ancient astrologers Xi and He in the court of Emperor Zhong Kang, one story goes.

"[The record] states that two court astrologers were beheaded because they didn't anticipate the total eclipse of the sun, and the emperor was mighty annoyed

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reply to post by Hanslune

Very very cool finding.

Reading this gave me chills.

S and F

I heard about the eclipse today on CBC radio.

I wonder if the Chinese believe in omens?

Two Canadian observed it from an icebreaker near Russia. They seemed to have enjoyed the show.

Peace to all.

Greatly (The Chinese believing in omen and such) the first examples of Chinese writing I believe were found on turtle bones that had been heated and cracked - showing "signs" to be interpreted.