Archaeoastronomy in East Asia: Historical Observational Records ...

BC 32 Feb 6–Mar 7 [China] (Ho 60)

(a) 1st year of the Jianshi reign period of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, 1st month; a star became fuzzy in Yingshi [LM 13].

[Han shu: Cheng di ji] ch. 10

(b) 1st year of the Jianshi reign period of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, 1st month; a star became fuzzy in Yingshi [LM 13]. It was greenish-white, 6 or 7 zhang long, and over 1 chi wide.

[Han shu: wu xing zhi] ch. 27

BC 12 Aug 26–Oct 20 [China] (Ho 61)

1st year of the Yuanyan reign period of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, 7th month, day xinwei [8] (Aug 26); a star became fuzzy in Dongjing [LM 22]; it was treading on Wu zhuhou; it appeared to the north of Hexu and passed through Xuanyuan and Taiwei; later, it traveled more than 6 du daily. In the morning, it appeared in the east. On the evening of the 13th day (Sep 7), it was seen in the west; it trespassed against Cifei, Changqiu, [Bei-]dou, and Saturn; its “swarming flames” again penetrated Zigong, with Dahuo right behind. It reached Tianhe (the Milky Way), sweeping the region of Hou and Fei; then it moved south, crossing and trespassing against Dajiao and Sheti. When it reached Tianshi, it moved slowly at a regular pace. Its flames entered Tianshi. After a further 10 days, it went toward the west. On the 56th day (Oct 20), it went out of sight together with Canglong.

[Han shu] ch. 27

NB: This is Comet Halley, return –26.

BC 5 Jan 10–Feb 7 [China] (Ho 62)

1st year of the Jianping reign period of Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty, 12th month; a white vapor emerged in the southwest, reaching from the ground up to the sky. It emerged beneath Shen [LM 21] and penetrated Tiance, as wide as a bolt of cloth and over 10 zhang long. It lasted more than 10 days before departing.

[Han shu: tianwen zhi] ch. 26