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Written in the Stars
The Chinese have watched the skies for centuries -- charting the stars, tracking the planets and recording eclipses -- all in order to predict through heavenly clues the earthly destinies of king and country. While today many consider astrology the spaced-out cousin of astronomy, these two sciences have a common origin. In fact many of the accepted theories and methods of modern astronomy were practiced by Chinese fortune tellers long before Galileo and Copernicus put the sun at the center of the solar system. In this Exploration, Candide visits Nanjing's Purple Mountain Observatory to get a closer look at the ancient beliefs and modern accomplishments of China's celestial seers.
Seeing Spots
Like their forefathers, the astronomers at the Purple Mountain Observatory are star-struck. They've discovered more than 1,000 minor stars and planets since 1949 and have now turned their telescopes to our closest star, the sun, to find out why its spots may cause everything from earthquakes to skin disease.
Our Lucky Stars
Will Chris find true love? Will Christina have job-related bliss? Disclaimer: Any opinions, predictions or over-simplifications expressed here should be attributed to Candide and not to the kindly Professor Lu who did the best he could to explain the Byzantine principles of the I-Ching, China's ancient and mystical "Book of Changes."
Poll Stars
In recent years, both Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton have consulted occultists about political matters -- and reaped much scandal and ridicule as a result. But if such methods are unorthodox in the modern era of scientific polling, astrology and geomancy were official business under the Chinese emperors of old.
Star Quiz
Test your heavenly body of knowledge and check out some far-out photos taken through the telescope atop Nanjing's Purple Mountain.
Made in China
