천상열차분야지도(天象列次分野之圖)의 실체 재조명

Reinvestigation onto Cheonsang yeolchabun yajido

Details of star map and surrounding inscriptions on King Taejo s astronomical chart, Cheosnag yeolchahun yajido, were analyzed to clarify its origin, construction era of original copy, planispherical aspects of old and revised star maps, and correction of culminating star list. Many records and data were found from the old documents to prove and support Kwon Geun s epilogue that refer to the existence of original star chart in Pyeongyang. The most probable era of original construction is estimated to be the mid-7th century of Koguryo. The descriptive parts of the star chart were uncovered to be quoted from the astronomical chapters of Jinshu, and the celestial planisphere was disclosed to be engraved on the basis which the star catalog collected by Chen Zhuo and the star map of the Kaihuang Gaitu might have provided. Nevertheless, it is evident that the star chart had become of Koguryo style by adding a special constellation into the Heavenly Marketplace on the map and informal marks at the points of spring equinox and winter solstice on the ecliptic circle. The positions of the stars were compared to show the scope of revision during King Taejo s re-inscription. Apparent displacements limited to the stars near the north pole and first mansion Gakshu indicate that partial amendment on star map was carried out during the reconstruction. The list of the culminating stars in the morning and evening was calculated to verify that the astronomical bureau Seoun gwan had revised it totally to a new one.