Thales’s Prediction of a Solar Eclipse Cover Image

Talesovo predviđanje pomračenja sunca
Thales’s Prediction of a Solar Eclipse

Author(s): Damir Marić
Subject(s): History of ideas, Ancient Philosphy
Published by: Филозофски факултет, Универзитет у Новом Саду
Keywords: Thales of Miletus; solar eclipse; ancient astronomy; saros; exeligmos;

Summary/Abstract: The testimonies from antiquity say that Thales of Miletus predicted a solar eclipse. Many experts claim that the eclipse happened on 5/28/585 BC, and this date is often marked as the beginning of Greek philosophy and science. This prediction of a solar eclipse can be justifiably doubted. However, if it is true that Thales predicted a solar eclipse, the question arises whether he found a way to predict eclipses or was familiar with the astronomy of older civilizations. This article will examine whether Thales predicted a solar eclipse and, if so, what method he used.

  • Issue Year: 2024
  • Issue No: 42
  • Page Range: 279-304
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: Bosnian
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