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Tracking Jupiter on clay tablets
New research shows the ancient Babylonians were using geometrical calculations to track Jupiter across the night sky as early as 350-50BC.
Previously, this technique was thought to have developed from around 1400AD.
Dr. Mathieu Ossendrijver, who trained in both astrophysics and the cuneiform writing system used by the Babylonians, made the discovery.
Photo: Babylonian clay tablet and geometric chart. Trustees of the British Museum/Mathieu Ossendrijver.
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