4 ms·
I'm always curious when Gauss turns up in the solution to a math problem. Wikipedia has a section on the algorithm here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computus
by te_platt 9y ago
I'm always curious when Gauss turns up in the solution to a math problem. Wikipedia has a section on the algorithm here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computus#Gauss_algorithm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computus#Gauss_algorithm
The same article also explains why it is a hard problem:
"Easter calculations are based on agreements and conventions, not on the actual celestial movements nor on indisputable facts of history."
Sounds a lot like many user requirements I have had to code for.
- omoikane 9y agoGauss's algorithm was also used in an IOCCC entry: http://ioccc.org/years.html#1996_schweikh1 http://ioccc.org/years.html#1996_schweikh1
- DonaldFisk 9y agoAstronomically derived Easter is the Sunday after the full moon after the vernal equinox, and that's quite easy to calculate. I thought of implementing Computus, but gave up as it's so arbitrary that nothing worthwhile would be learned by implementing it. I implemented astronomical Easter instead, knowing that it's occasionally wrong: http://web.onetel.com/~hibou/fmj/tutorials/GregorianCalendar.html http://web.onetel.com/~hibou/fmj/tutorials/GregorianCalendar... - scroll down to Bell, Book, and Candle.
- jazzdev 9y agoThis was my first programming assignment (7th grade math class, 1975). It was a great introduction to computers and algorithms. I think I still have that BASIC program on a paper tape in my basement.
- microtherion 9y agoReminds me of the comment in a time zone file: From: Jonathan Leffler # [British Summer Time] is fixed annually by Act of Parliament. # If you can predict what Parliament will do, you should be in # politics making a fortune, not computing. https://github.com/lattera/glibc/blob/master/timezone/europe https://github.com/lattera/glibc/blob/master/timezone/europe
- Buge 9y agoThe agreements and conventions make it easier, not harder, than something based on celestial movements. The earth's rotation changes by unpredictable amounts, so it would be impossible to predict in advance purely based on celestial movements.
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