Astro*Dictionary
by Michael Erlewine

1 article for
"Bede"

(beed)

(673-735) English scholar.

Entered the monastery at Jarrow at age seven, remaining there for the remainder of his life. His writings deal with early Anglo-Saxon England, astronomy, the proper dating of Easter, and imperfections in the calendar (the Vernal Equinox had slipped, by three days, to March 18). He completed a translation of St. John while on his deathbed. He supported the view that the earth was a sphere, that the phases of the Moon affected the tides, and was aware that tide tables were unique to each port. He dated events from the `birth' of Jesus, instead of the `creation' of the world.

 

See also: ♦ Julian Calendar ♦ Tidal Forces