Who were the Roman astronomers, and what were their contributions to Western astronomy?

Roman astronomers made significant contributions to Western astronomy by advancing the field through the development of new theories, instruments and discoveries. Prominent Roman astronomers include Claudius Ptolemy, Gaius Julius Hyginus, and Lucius Taruntius Firmanus.

Claudius Ptolemy, a mathematician, astronomer and geographer, is known for his works, Almagest and Geography, which became the standard reference for astronomy and geography for over a millennium. Ptolemy developed a comprehensive model of the universe, which placed the earth at the center and explained the movements of the sun, moon, and planets.

Gaius Julius Hyginus, a Roman writer, was known for his work on mythology and astronomy. His book, Poetica Astronomica, was a compilation of myths and stories related to the constellations, and it played an important role in preserving the knowledge of ancient astronomy.

Lucius Taruntius Firmanus, a Roman astronomer, is known for his work in developing the astrolabe, a device used to determine the positions of stars and planets. Firmanus's work helped to advance the field of astronomy by making it easier for astronomers to make more accurate observations and predictions.