Star charts show the arrangement of stars in the sky, in a style that can be scientific, artistic or both, depending on the intended use.

Known as the “Star Manual of Master Shi,” the document is the oldest surviving star catalog in China. But now, scientists say the map dates to the fourth century B.C.E.—some 250 years ...

Researchers have reanalyzed the long-perplexing “Star Manual of Master Shi” and discovered that it could rightfully be considered the oldest, structured celestial map in the world.

Ancient Chinese astronomer Shi Shen’s star catalog, known as The Star Manual of Master Shi, is now considered the oldest star chart in the world. Later observations written into the catalog ...