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Astronomical Aspects of “Pranotomongso” of The 19th Century Central Java

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2016

Nathanael Daldjoeni  and
Bambang Hidayat
Nathanael Daldjoeni
Affiliation:
Universitas Satya Wacana, SalatigaIndonesia
Bambang Hidayat
Affiliation:
Bosscha Observatory, ITB, Lembang, Java, Indonesia

Extract

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It has been shown by Aveny (1981) that the development of indigenous astronomical systems in tropical cultures, whether the motive was religious or practical, centered toward a reference system consisting of zenith and nadir as poles and the horizon as a fundamental reference circle. Such a reference system differs remarkably to the celestial pole-equator (or ecliptic) systems employed by civilizations in temperate zones (also see Brennand, 1896; Stencel, et.al., 1976).

In order to obtain more insight of the view expounded by Aveny (1981) the authors undertook a test case study of the astronomically related time-keeping practice in Java. “Pranotomongso” has been chosen as it is well documented since 1855. According to Daldjoeni (1984) the “pranotomongso” (literaly means the arrangements of seasons) functions well as a practical guide for agricultural activities for the rural peasants in Central Java.

Type
Mediaeval Astronomy
Information
International Astronomical Union Colloquium , Volume 91: History of Oriental Astronomy , 1987 , pp. 249 - 252
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

References

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