Figure 1: The old Observatory of Beijing engraved in the Astronomia Europæa by Verbiest, 1687. The Jesuit astronomer Verbiest had the instruments made for the Observatory following Tycho Brahe's instruments.

Figure 2: Argoli's Ephemerides were an useful tool that Verbiest used to demonstrate to Chinese Emperor the exactness of European astronomy. Andrea Argoli was appointed professor of Mathematics at Padova University from 1632 to 1657.

Research in history of astronomy aims to highlight different cultural paths that characterized the progress in scientific astronomy in different countries and cultural environment. It aims also to reveal some unknown aspects related to mathematical and mechanical instruments that have allowed astronomers to improve their knowledge of the universe. Relationship among European astronomers and teachers of astronomy at Padova University going back to the XIV century, is analysed by focusing attention to the little known original books and documents.

People: L. Pigatto, V. Zanini

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