Feature Astronomy

Onward and Skyward

With new efforts aimed at the stars, China seeks to revive its astronomical reputation

By Nadia Drake

- More than 2 years ago

High in Beijing’s sky, the August sun glows red by midafternoon, a star struggling to illuminate China’s crowded capital from above the dust and pollution.

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Various forms of comets were depicted in China’s Mawangdui Silk Texts, compiled more than two millennia ago. Ancient Chinese astronomers also mapped the stars and documented supernovas.