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Astro*Dictionary by Michael Erlewine

 

 

 

 

1 article for "Pytheas"

Pytheas [Astro*Index]

(pith'ee-us)

(BC300-?) Greek geographer and explorer. Born at Massalia (Marseille, France).

Using observations of the Sun, and the methods developed by Dicaearchus, he determined the latitude of Massalia with great accuracy. He noted that the North Star was moved about the North Celestial Pole in a small circle in a daily cycle. He sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar, up the northwestern coast of Europe, and probably explored Great Britain, and may have reached Norway. His accounts were not readily accepted by his associates. Observing tides in the open Atlantic Ocean, he formulated a correct explanation for them, as being due to the influence of the Moon--thus anticipating Newton by nearly 2,000 years.

See also: ♦ Dicaearchus

 

Astro*Index Copyright © 1997 Michael Erlewine