What did the Babylonians contribute to astronomy?

The Babylonians made significant contributions to astronomy, particularly through their systematic observations of the night sky and the development of early mathematical techniques. Some of their key contributions include:

1. Celestial Observation and Record-Keeping: The Babylonians were keen astronomers who meticulously recorded celestial events such as lunar phases, eclipses, and the positions of planets. These observations helped them track the movements of celestial bodies over time.
2. Lunar and Planetary Cycles: They created detailed records of the motions of the Moon and planets, observing cycles like the synodic month (the time it takes the Moon to return to the same phase) and the movements of the five known planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). Their understanding of the cycles helped them predict events like eclipses.
3. Zodiac and Astrological Systems: The Babylonians are credited with the development of the zodiac, dividing the sky into 12 signs, each associated with a specific constellation. They also practiced astrology, interpreting the movements of celestial bodies as omens and using them to make predictions about earthly events.
4. Sexagesimal System: The Babylonians used a base-60 (sexagesimal) numeral system, which had a lasting impact on the way we measure time and angles. The division of hours into 60 minutes and minutes into 60 seconds, as well as the division of a circle into 360 degrees, can be traced back to Babylonian astronomy.
5. Ecliptic and Zodiacal Belt: They mapped the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun across the sky, and organized the stars into constellations along this path, which became the basis for later astronomical models.
6. The Prediction of Eclipses: Babylonians had an advanced understanding of eclipse cycles. They used a 223-month cycle called the Saros cycle, which allowed them to predict lunar and solar eclipses with impressive accuracy.

Their work laid the foundations for later developments in both astronomy and astrology, influencing cultures like the Greeks and the Arabs.