Not quite GGG ping.
It might have saved Columbus that time, but Columbus was merely the public announcement that Spain (and several other Euro kingdoms) was already in the New World.
Good thing it wasn’t cloudy that night.
The more I learn about Columbus, the less I like him. I was happier when all I knew about him was that he discovered America.
Damned historians, and their big mouths.
Before his death, Regiomontanus published an almanac containing astronomical tables covering the years 1475-1506. Regiomontanus' almanac turned out to be of great value, for his astronomical tables provided detailed information about the sun, moon and planets, as well as the more important stars and constellations by which to navigate. After it was published, no sailor dared set out without a copy. With its help, explorers were able to leave their customary routes and venture out into the unknown seas in search of new frontiers.
Columbus, of course, had a copy of the Almanac with him when he was stranded on Jamaica. And he soon discovered from studying its tables that on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 29, 1504, a total eclipse of the moon would take place soon after the time of moonrise.
Would a lunar eclipse in Europe be visible in Jamaica?
btt
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I had heard that this was folklore, but now it sounds like it’s pretty much verified history. Never heard of this guy Regiomontanus.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Regiomon.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regiomontanus
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Gods |
Thanks decimon. I wish Keith Pickering were still around FR to see this. ;') |
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What happens in 10 days?
Bush ought to try this on Chavez and his threat to cut off oil. He’s not the brightest flare in the refinery.