What were the major contributions of ancient Babylon to astronomy?

Ancient Babylon made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, laying the foundation for many concepts still relevant today. Their advancements in predicting celestial events such as eclipses and the development of the zodiac are particularly noteworthy.

Predicting Celestial Events

Babylonian astronomers were among the first to systematically observe and record celestial events. They carefully tracked the movements of stars, planets, and the moon, allowing them to predict eclipses with impressive accuracy. By studying these phenomena, they developed a rudimentary understanding of the patterns and cycles of the heavens.

Development of the Zodiac

The Babylonians are credited with creating the zodiac, a system of twelve signs based on the sun's apparent path through the sky over the course of a year. This division of the sky into twelve sections laid the groundwork for astrology and has persisted to this day.

Overall, the Babylonian astronomers made significant strides in understanding the cosmos, and their work paved the way for the astronomical advancements of future civilizations.