The adjustably cyclical, solilunar time-measuring system of the Gregorian calendar. A scientific masterwork of the late Renaissance (Q1434086)

In this very thorough and detailed analysis of the mathematics on which the Gregorian calendar was established in 1582, at first the historical and astronomical background is described in detail. Step by step the various cycles of calendar systems are discussed and the resulting equations established and put in relation to each other. Next the original and the revised Easter formula of C. F. Gauss are introduced. Four parameters \(s, P, e\) and \(Q\) are entering the calendar equations: \(s\) ist the number of leapyears in a secular period \(P\) which is omitted in the Gregorian calendar in comparison with the Julian calendar; \(E\) is the number of intercalations of the epacts (age of moon on Jan. 1) which the Gregorian calendar introduces in each secular period \(Q\). In a rectangular coordinate system the quotients \(x = s/P, y = e/Q\) are presented and in particular the choice of 1582 is marked. The author calls this rectangle ``the window of freedom'' for the Gregorian calendar. He transforms it by a linear fractional transformation into a trapezoid, situated in a coordinate system in which the axes represent the length of the tropical year (between 365,235 and 365,255 days) and the length of the synodic month (between 29,528 and 29,533 days). Three points within this trapezoid mark the natural values, the approximation of the Julian and the (excellent !) approximation of the Gregorian year. The diagram also shows the limits for the possible variations of the periods for the ``calendar sun'' and the ``calendar moon''. Based on the theory of continued fractions, in the next section the secular parameters are derived from the astronomical observations. Explanations are also given how the calendar reformers might have derived the secular parameters, and a better secular leap function is obtained for the ``calendar moon''. Returning to the revised Gaussian Easter formula, in which he replaces a term by an improvement, the author states that in this form it yields the correct Easter dates until 2301, as prescribed by the Council of Nicea in 325. He also discusses possible revisions for the future and criticises a proposal made by the World Council of Churches in 1997 as superficial, not paying the necessary respect for the masterpiece of the Gregorian calendar. - For a related book, see \textit{H. Bachmann}, Kalenderarithmetik, 2., verbesserte und erweiterte Auflage, Juris Druck und Verlag AG, Zürich (1984).