• Journal of the Korean Society of Surveying, Geodesy, Photogrammetry and Cartography
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.119-127
• /
• 2009

Even though there are next generation Global Navigation Systems in development, only GPS and GLONASS are currently available for satellite positioning. In this study, GLONASS orbits were predicted using Keplerian elements in almanac and the orbit equation. For accuracy validation, predicted orbits were compared with precise ephemeris. As a result, the 3-D maximum and RMS (Root Mean Square) errors were 155.4 km and 56.3 km for 7-day predictions. Also, the GLONASS satellite visibility predictions were compared with real observations, and they agree perfectly except for several epochs when the satellite signal was blocked nearby buildings.

• Bulletin of the Korean Space Science Society
• /
• 2011.04a
• /
• pp.19.4-20
• /
• 2011

In this paper, we analyze time data (i.e., new moon time, sunrise and sunset times, twenty-four seasonal subdivision times, and so forth) in the Japanese astronomical almanacs between 1885 and 1943. During this period, two types of astronomical almanacs were published in Japan; Honreki (本曆; Formal Almanac) and its simplified version, Ryakuhonreki (略本曆). We use mainly the latter almanac for analyzing the time data. It is also known that Japan introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1873, adopted the standard meridian of $135^{\circ}E$ in 1888, and used Tokyo Observatory (東京天文臺; $139^{\circ}$ 44' 30" E and $35^{\circ}$ 39' 15" N) as the reference position of time data since 1891. We verify those facts and investigate the accuracy of time data in Japanese almanacs by comparing the data with the results of modern calculations. In this study, we present our findings.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Navigation
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.1-13
• /
• 1984

This paper concerns computerization of the altitude correction in the sight reduction process. To obtain observed altitude, the factors such as refraction, parallx, semidiameter, phase etc, are corrected to sextant altitude. The factors are the arguments into the nautical almanac table from which are extracted values to add to or substract from the raw sight to obtain corrected value. If the altitude correction is to be done by sophisticated calculator, each factors must be formulated. The author studies the formulation of above factors, and simply from the date and ephemeris time of the sighting calculate the values of the factors. The calculated values are compared with that from nautical almanac, and it is confirmed that the formulae are practically used.

• Solar Energy
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.87-94
• /
• 1998

This work presents a method to compute the sun position(azimuth and elevation), sunrise and sunset times. Accurate computation of sun position is very important to the precise tracking of the sun for the solar concentrator, which enables the maximum collection of solar energy. Methods to compute the sun position are available in the literature already. However most of them do not have accuracy verification, thus makes hard in selecting the most accurate sun position computation method. We first select the most accurate sun position computation method among the methods presented in the literature by comparing the computed sun position with Korean Almanac of Korea Astronomy Observatory. Then a procedure to compute the sunrise and sunset times is presented. Computed sun position shows $0.02^{\circ},\;0.6^{\circ}$ and one minute differences in azimuth, elevation and sunrise/sunset times respectively compared with Korean Almanac.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.72.1-72.1
• /
• 2014

In the Joseon Dynasty, A day divided into 100 gak (刻, approximately a quarter) or 12 Sijin (時辰, double hours) that was composed of half-Sijin as Cho (初, beginnings of double hours) and Jeong (正, mid-points double hours). The timekeeping system was changed from 100 gak to 96 gak with using $sh{\acute{i}}xi{\grave{a}}n$ calendar (時憲曆) in 1654. And then 12 Sijin was changed to the 24-hours system in the same manner as current with the enforcement of the solar calendar (太陽曆) in 1896. We examine the record of the timekeeping system and notation of hours from the astronomical almanacs and official gazettes during 50 years after 1896. The Korean Empire Government first adopted the standard meridian of the Gyeongseong (former name of the Seoul in Korea) in 1908. However the mean solar time was applied to the almanac since 1913. After 1896, the year of enforcement of the solar calendar, the expression of times on a Korean almanac was written with O-jeon (午前, morning) and O-hu (午後, afternoon). The definition of 1day 24-hours system was first stated by the legislation in 1900. The expression of times was used 24 hours without O-jeon and O-hu in 1916. In daily life, the 24-hours system has used in parallel with 12-hours system divided into morning and afternoon even today.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.367-380
• /
• 2017

The life and astronomical activity of Lee Deok-Seong (李德星, 1720-1794) was studied using various historical sources, including the astronomical almanac, Seungjeongwon-Ilgi (Daily records of Royal Secretariat of Joseon dynasty), and the Gwansang-Gam's logbooks during Joseon dynasty (A.D. 1392-1910). We present the results of the study including the following main findings. First, from the investigation of Lee's family tree, we find that a number of his relatives were also astronomers, notably Samryeok-Gwan (三曆官, the post of calendrical calculation). Second, we find that he took part in the compilation of an annual astronomical almanac over a period of at least 16 years. His major achievements in the astronomy of the Joseon dynasty were to establish a new method of calendar-making calculation and to bring astronomical materials to the Joseon court through a visit to China. The Joseon dynasty enforced the Shixianli (時憲曆, a Chinese calendar made by Adam Shall) in 1654 without fully understanding the calendar. So an astronomer and an envoy were dispatched to China in order to master the intricacies of the calendar and to learn as much of Western science as was available in that time and place. Lee Deok-Seong worked at the Gwansang-Gam (觀象監, Royal Astronomical Bureau) during the reigns of King Yeongjo (英祖) and Jeongjo (正祖). As best as we can ascertain in relation with the calculations in the Shixian calendar, Lee visited China four times. During his trips and interactions, he learned a new method for calendar-making calculations, and introduced many Western-Chinese astronomical books to Joseon academia. Lee greatly improved the accuracy of calendrical calculations, even while simplifying the calculation process. With these achievements, he finally was promoted to the title of Sungrok-Daebu (崇祿大夫), the third highest grade of royal official. In conclusion, history demonstrates that Lee Deok-Seong was one of the most outstanding astronomers in the late-Joseon dynasty.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.39-51
• /
• 2024

Since the division of the Korean Peninsula in 1948, South and North Korea have independently developed their astronomical almanacs: Ryeokseo at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute in South Korea and Cheonmunryeok at the Pyongyang Astronomical Observatory in North Korea. This study compares Ryeokseo and Cheonmunryeok for the year 2015, focusing on publication systems, content, terminology, and differences in data calculation methods. Additionally, it examines the calendars of South and North Korea from 2018 to 2023, analyzing similarities and differences in the representation of calendrical dates, public holidays, and other related aspects. The findings reveal that while the structure and content of the astronomical almanacs are similar in both countries, notable variances exist in the versions of ephemerides, time scales, and calculation precision. Consequently, identical data points are often recorded with slightly different values in each country's almanacs. Furthermore, approximately 28% of the terms used in North Korea's astronomical almanac are either not utilized in South Korea or have different definitions. Regarding calendar systems, those of South and North Korea are largely similar, resulting in no significant discrepancies in dates. However, there are notable differences in the observance of public holidays. While traditional holidays are common to both, most holidays are distinctively celebrated. Notably, North Korea does not observe religious holidays, and many of its holidays are associated with the regime.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
• /
• no.72
• /
• pp.365-400
• /
• 2018

The signs of $G{\bar{a}}nzh{\bar{i}}$(干支: the sexagesimal calendar system) almanac, which marked each year, month, day and time with 60 ordinal number marks made by combining 10 $Ti{\bar{a}}ng{\bar{a}}ns$(天干: the decimal notation to mark date) and 12 $D{\grave{i}}zh{\bar{i}}s$(地支 : the duodecimal notation to mark date), were used not only as the sign of the factors affecting the occurrence of a disease and treatment in the area of traditional oriental medicine, but also as the indicator of prejudging fortunes in different areas of future prediction techniques.(for instance, astrology, the theory of divination based on topography, four pillars of destiny and etc.) While theories of many future predictive technologies with this $G{\bar{a}}nzh{\bar{i}}$(干支) almanac signs as the standard had been established in many ways by Han dynasty, it is difficult to find almanac discussion later on the fundamental theory of 'how it works like that'. As for the method to mark the era of $Ti{\bar{a}}nt{\check{i}}l{\grave{i}}$(天體曆: a calendar made with the sidereal period of Jupiter and the Sun), which determines the name of a year depending on where $Su{\grave{i}}x{\bar{i}}ng$(歲星: Jupiter) is among the '12 positions of zodiac', there are three main ways of $$Su{\grave{i}}x{\bar{i}}ng-J{\grave{i}}ni{\acute{a}}nf{\check{a}}$$(歲星紀年法: the way to mark an era by the location of Jupiter on the celestial sphere), $$T{\grave{a}}isu{\grave{i}}-J{\grave{i}}ni{\acute{a}}nf{\check{a}}$$ (太歲紀年法: the way to mark an era by the location facing the location of Jupiter on the celestial sphere) and $$G{\bar{a}}nzh{\bar{i}}-J{\grave{i}}ni{\acute{a}}nf{\check{a}}$$(干支紀年法: the way to mark an era with Ganzhi marks). Regarding $$G{\bar{a}}nzh{\bar{i}}-J{\grave{i}}ni{\acute{a}}nf{\check{a}}$$(干支紀年法), which is actually the same way to mark an era as $$T{\grave{a}}isu{\grave{i}}-J{\grave{i}}ni{\acute{a}}nf{\check{a}}$$(太歲紀年法) with the only difference in the name, there are more than three ways, and one of them has continued to be used in China, Korea and so on since Han dynasty. The name of year of $G{\bar{a}}nzh{\bar{i}}$(干支) this year, 2018, has become $W{\grave{u}}-X{\bar{u}}$(戊戌) just by 'accident'. Therefore, in this discussion, the need to realize this situation was emphasized in different areas of traditional techniques of future prediction in which distinct theories have been established with the $G{\bar{a}}nzh{\bar{i}}$(干支) mark of year, month, day and time. Because of the 1 sidereal period of Jupiter, which is a little bit shorter than 12 years, once about one thousand years, 'the location of Jupiter on the zodiac' and 'the name of a year of 12 $D{\grave{i}}zh{\bar{i}}s$(地支) marks' accord with each other just for about 85 years, and it has been verified that recent dozens of years are the very period. In addition, appropriate methods of observing the the twenty-eight lunar mansions were elucidated. As $G{\bar{a}}nzh{\bar{i}}$(干支) almanac is related to the theoretical foundation of traditional medical practice as well as various techniques of future prediction, in-depth study on the fundamental theory of ancient $Ti{\bar{a}}nt{\check{i}}l{\grave{i}}$(天體曆) cannot be neglected for the succession and development of traditional oriental study and culture, too.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.1-16
• /
• 2014

Sambok (三伏, Three Hottest Days) is the common designation of Chobok (初伏, Early Hot Day), Jungbok (中伏, Middle Hot Day), and Malbok (末伏, Late Hot Day), and widely known to be one of the Korean folk customs. Hence, Sambok is notated in Manseryeok (Ten Thousand-Year Almanac) and in the annual astronomical almanac published by Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. In this paper, we investigate the changes of Sambok in Korea based on various documents such as Joseonwangjosilok (朝鮮王朝實錄, Annals of the Joseon Dynasty), Jeungbo-Jakryeoksik (增補作曆式, The Supplement of Manual for Calendar Making), astronomical almanacs, and so forth. According to Jeungbo-Jakryeoksik preserved in Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies, Chobok and Jungbok are defined as the third and fourth Gyeongil (庚日, The Day Starting with the Seventh Heavenly Stems in Sexagenary Cycles Assigned to Each Day) after the summer solstice, respectively, and Malbok is the first Gyeongil after Ipchu (Enthronement of Autumn). However, if the summer solstice is Gyeongil, then the third Gyeongil counting from the solstice becomes Chobok. Malbok depends on the time of Ipchu. Ipchu itself becomes Malbok if the time of Ipchu is in the morning, or next Gyeongil becomes Malbok if it is the afternoon. On the other hand, Malbok is defined as Ipchu itself regardless of its time according to Chiljeongbobeob (七政步法, Calculating Method for Sun, Moon, and Five Planets), Chubocheobryeo (推步捷例, Quick Examples for Calendrical Calculations), and so on. To verify the methods used to determine Sambok, we examined the record in the extant almanacs during the period of 1392 to 2100 for which the summer solstice or Ipchu is Gyeongil. As a result, we found a periodicity that if the time of Ipchu is in the morning, in general, the time is in the afternoon after two years and then is back into in the morning after nineteen years, i.e., the 2 + 19 years periodicity. However, we found the 2 + 17 years periodicity in some years. We also found that the Chobok method of Jeungbo-Jakryeoksik has been used since 1712, the thirty-eighth reign of King Sukjong (肅宗). In addition, we supposed that Malbok had been determined by the method like Chubocheobryeo since either 1846, the twelfth reign of King Heonjong (憲宗), or 1867, the fourth reign of King Gojong (高宗). At present, these methods of Sambok are customarily used without any legal basis. We, therefore, think that this study will help conventionalize the method defining Sambok in the future.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.25-36
• /
• 2013

Chumsungdae is an ancient astronomical observatory whose main role was doing 'chunmoon'. It was administrate by a royal advisory agency on state affairs. The observers observed the heaven on the observatory platform, recorded peculiar events, and watched and interpreted the signs displayed in the heaven. Chumsungdae is an stonemasonry which represents almanac principles with its peculiar shapes and the numbers of strata and stones. The numbers were thoroughly invented to match exactly the almanac constants. Chumsungdae is comprised largely of three main parts, namely the square base, the stratified cylindrical body, and the top #-shaped stonework, and the total number of stones is 404. The number of the strata (27) and the height of the cylindrical body (27 尺) stand for the days in a sidereal month (27.3 days), which implies that the motion of the Moon with respect to the stars was given more priority than to the Sun at that time of geocentricism. And the cylindrical body was thoroughly designed to consist of 365 stones, which is of course the number of days in a solar year. In addition, there are 12 strata each under and above the south entrance and this in sum makes the 24 divisions of the year. Also there is 182 stones below the 13th stratum and this represents the number of days in the winter ~ summer solstice period, and the rest 183 stones the vice versa. The #-shaped top stonework was aligned in such a way that one of the diagonals points the direction of sunrise on the winter solstice. The square base also layed with the same manner. The south entrance was built 16 degrees SE, and the upright direction of the right pillar stone coincides with the meridian circle. This was a kind of built-in standard meridian circle facilitating the observations. In a symbolic sense, Chumsungdae was thought as the tunnel reaching the heaven, where the observers wished to be enlightened with the signs and inspirations in need. With the craftsmanship and skill, the builder reinforced the stratified cylindrical body with two sets of #-shaped beam stones, piercing at a right angle at 19th ~ 20th and 25th ~ 26th strata. Likewise, by placing the double #-shaped stonework with 8 beam stones on the platform of the observatory, both the stability of the stonemasonry and a guard rail for the nightly observers were securely provided.