The legacy of the astronomers lives on in the units of measurement they established from "summary" of The Measure of All Things by Ken Alder
The legacy of ancient astronomers endures through the units of measurement they devised. These units, based on observations of the heavens, laid the foundation for modern systems of measurement. The work of these astronomers, such as Hipparchus and Ptolemy, is still evident in the way we measure time, distance, and angles today. Their contributions to astronomy were not just about studying the stars and planets; they also had practical applications in everyday life. By establishing units of measurement based on astronomical observations, these early scientists provided a standard for accurate and consistent measurements. This standardization was essential for facilitating trade, building structures, and conducting scientific research. The units of measurement developed by ancient astronomers have stood the test of time and remain in use today. The degree, for example, originally defined by Hipparchus as a division of a circle, is still used to measure angles. The hour, another unit of time based on celestial movements, continues to regulate our daily schedules. In a sense, the work of these astronomers lives on through the units of measurement they established. Their legacy can be seen in the way we quantify the world around us, from the length of a meter to the duration of a second. By looking to the heavens for inspiration, these early scientists left a lasting impact on the way we understand and measure the world.
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