08♐33 to 11♐49
The 15th asterism of the Tianshi (Heavenly Market) Enclosure is named 斛 Hú, “Dipper for Solids.” It represents the instruments used to measure solids and contains 4 stars in the constellations Hercules and Ophiuchus. [1]
| 2000 | 2050 | IAU | Chinese | Orb |
| 10♐38 | 11♐20 | ι Oph | Hu Yi (1) | 1°10′ |
| 11♐49 | 12♐31 | κ Oph, Helkath | Hu Er (2) | 1°40′ |
| 10♐03 | 10♐45 | k Her | Hu San (3) | 1°00′ |
| 08♐33 | 09♐16 | i Her | Hu Si (4) | 1°00′ |
Constellation Hu, the Dipper for Solids
08♐33 to 11♐49
The “Hu” functioned similarly to a scale for fairness. A bushel was a measuring tool for grains and the like. [1]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
The four stars of the *hu* (斛) are north of the market tower, also called the Heavenly *hu*, which governs measurement. If the stars are upside down, the year will be bountiful; If it is covered, the year will be bountiful; if it is exposed, there will be a great famine. The degree of light and darkness is the same as the measurement of silk. [2]
Song History (1346)
The four stars of the Hu (斛) are located south of the Dipper, governing measurement, division of weights and measures, and arithmetic. If these stars are not visible, it is ominous; if they are absent, famine will occur. Another account places it north of the market tower, named Tianhu (天斛). [3]