Ancient Chinese eclipse record reveals Earth's faster spin and Sun's activity 2,700 years ago
Correction of ancient capital's location allows precise reconstruction of 709 BCE event
An international research team has revisited a 2,700-year-old total solar eclipse record from China, uncovering new details about Earth's rotation and the Sun's activity in antiquity. By correcting a geographical error in the location of Qufu, the ancient capital of the Lu Duchy, the scientists were able to accurately reconstruct the eclipse of 709 BCE and measure changes in Earth's spin.