Huanzhe (宦者)
Authors: Lyu Haocheng
Huàn Zhě (Eunuch Official, 宦者), Chinese constellation. This constellation consists of 4 stars, located in Hercules (and, according to some identifications, extending into Ophiuchus), to the west of Dì Zuò (Emperor's Seat, 帝座, α Her). It symbolizes the eunuchs who serve the Heavenly Emperor.
Concordance, Etymology, History
Eunuchs (宦者) refer to men who have undergone castration (palace punishment). They were responsible for supervising the female officials and managing chores within the imperial harem.
The Shi Shi school says:
"The four stars of Huàn Zhě are located to the west of the Emperor's Seat. The stars of Huàn Zhě represent those who constantly attend the Yellow Gates (the imperial palace) — minor officials and attendants who always serve the Emperor's Seat in the Celestial Market Enclosure. Eunuchs are men who have suffered castration; they are positioned west of the Seat. When their stars are faint, it is auspicious; when they are bright, it is inauspicious."
Shì shi zan (Star Canon of Master Shi, 石氏赞) records it as:
"Huàn Zhě are to the west (of the Emperor's Seat), attending by their master's side."
Identification of stars
| Star Names or Orders(Traditional/Qing) | Ho PENG YOKE[1] | Yi Shitong[2]
Based on catalogue in 18th century |
Pan Nai[3]
based on Xinyixiangfayao Star Map |
Pan Nai[4]
based on catalogues in Yuan dynasty |
SUN X. & J. Kistemaker[5]
Han Dynasty |
Boshun Yang[6]
before Tang dynasty |
Boshun Yang[6]
Song Jingyou(1034) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (Determinative) | HIP 83430 (32 Oph) | HIP 83430 (32 Oph) | 60 Her | HIP 83430 (32 Oph) | 60 Her | 60 Her | 60 Her |
| 2nd | HIP 83478 (33 Oph) | HIP 83478 (33 Oph) | HIP 83478 (33 Oph) | 60 Her | HIP 83430 (32 Oph) | HIP 83430 (32 Oph) | HIP 83478 (33 Oph) |
| 3rd | 60 Her | 60 Her | HIP 83430 (32 Oph) | - | 37 Oph | 54 Her | HIP 83430 (32 Oph) |
| 4th | 37 Oph | 37 Oph | 54 Her | - | e Oph (66 Her) | HIP 82764 | 54 Her |
Maps (Gallery)
| historical map | modern identification | same in Stellarium |
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IAU Working Group on Star Names
In 2026, the name of the historical constellation "Huanzhe" was suggested to be used for one of the stars in this constellation. The star 60 Her was recommended, for this star has been observed multiple times in history as the determinative star.
Decision: ...
References
- ↑ P.-Y. Ho, “Ancient And Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae in Chinese Sources,” Vistas in Astronomy, 5(1962), 127-225.
- ↑ Yi Shitong伊世同. Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981: 56.
- ↑ Pan Nai潘鼐. Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 1989. p226.
- ↑ Pan Nai潘鼐. Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 2009. p443.
- ↑ Sun Xiaochun. & Kistemaker J. The Chinese sky during the Han. Leiden: Brill. 1997, Pp241-6.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 B.-S. Yang杨伯顺, Zhongguo Chuantong Hengxing Guance Jingdu ji Xingguan Yanbian Yanjiu 中国传统恒星观测精度及星官演变研究 (A Research on the Accuracy of Chinese Traditional Star Observation and the Evolution of Constellations), PhD thesis, (Hefei: University of Science and Technology of China, 2023). 261.
