This is why the zero-degree longitude line passes through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London (until 1884 most states used their own nationalistic reference points.) Indeed, the nationalism of astronomy often leads to the ignorance of the observations and deductions of non-European astronomers.Īstronomers could also be outrageous flatterers. Historically, observatories were vital in the development of navigation and accurate clocks. An observatory is also a centre for national prestige, as discoveries made and published reflect well on the institute and the nation that funds its work. Accurate star charts and lunar tables (showing the phases of the moon) enable sailors to accurately determine their position at sea, and a navy that can navigate accurately is one that can carry out its duties effectively. The study of the heavens leads to advances in mathematics, and improvements in scientific instrument making, horology, and perhaps most importantly of them all, navigation and surveying. All the physical sciences are advanced here. An observatory is a centre of many scientific studies, not just astronomy.
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