A replica of the Armillary Sphere – an ancient Chinese invention and one of the oldest astronomical instruments in the world for measuring the position of heavenly bodies – has been installed at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), adding aesthetic and educational value to university life
At the dedication ceremony of this Armillary Sphere Replica today (3 September 2008), HKUST President Paul Chu said, “HKUST is a relatively young university, and we need to be constantly inspired by the wisdom of the ancient Chinese scientists. This replica of the Armillary Sphere is a glamorous work of art in its own right and brings an added dimension to the beauty of our campus.”
“This wonderful instrument would not have been produced and installed at HKUST without the vision and generosity of the Fong Shu Fook Tong Foundation and the Fong’s Family Foundation, both under the chairmanship of Dr Fong Yun Wah, one of the university’s major benefactors,” President Chu added.
“I am pleased to play a part in adding meaning and life to the HKUST campus. The objective of installing this Armillary Sphere Replica here is to remind the university community about China’s long and distinguished scientific heritage,” said Dr Fong Yun Wah.
The Armillary Sphere is located at the starting point of the Fong Shu Chuen Promenade linking Undergraduate Halls 1 and 2. It sits on a small garden at the hub of traffic between the university’s academic and residential facilities.
According to historical records, the Armillary Sphere is an astronomical device dating back to the Western Han Dynasty. The design evolved through the centuries and one of the earliest originals of the instrument was made over 570 years ago in the Ming Dynasty, and now housed at the Nanjing Purple Mountain Observatory – one of the five largest observatories in Mainland China.
The replica unveiled today is a half-dimensional model of the original instrument, measuring 1.41 meters in length and width and 1.525 meters in height. Made of bronze, it weighs approximately one tonne.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Ross Lai
Tel: 2358 6306 / 9103 2928
Email: rosslai@ust.hk
Donna Wong
Tel: 2358 6317
Email: donnaw@ust.hk
