ON THE OBSERVATION TIME OF SHI,SHEN STAR CATALOG

This paper aims to determine the observation time of Shi Shen's star c atalogue. We first considered the basic data of the catalogue in gener al and analyzed possible systematic errors of the observation. Then we used the data of the determinative stars of 28 lunar lodges in the ca talogue as a representative sample of data to determine the observatio n time by means of Fourier analysis. We conclude that it was observed at the end of the Western Han dynasty at 60 +/- 30 years B.C. We also discuss the historical background of that time which enlightens and il lustrates our conclusion.