VS.

the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.

The study of objects and phenomena in space!

Evidence of Early astronomers…. People have always watched and wondered at the Sun and the night sky. Evidence of Early astronomers…. Stonehenge was built in England about 4500 years ago. Historians believe its purpose was to indicate the longest day of the year and to predict the occurrence of seasons and eclipses.

In Egypt, a Pharaoh's temple was designed with a long, narrow entranceway through which the Sun’s rays shone directly onto a statue of the Pharaoh on two special days of the year: one in Feb, the other in Oct. …. In architecture!

…. Was written! Evidence of Early astronomers…. Over 1000 years ago the Maya developed ways of accurately keeping track of the movements of the planets. Many of the temples were used as observatories. One of the few remaining ancient Mayan books shows that the Maya were able to predict the appearance of Venus very accurately! They were off only 2 hours in 500 years! WOW! …. Was written!

…. Oral traditions! Other evidence is passed down… People all over the world have used legends (traditional stories) to explain events and objects in nature. …. Oral traditions!

Solstices Two important annual events for our ancestors were the solstices. When is the summer solstice? June 21! – this represents the start of summer!

When is the winter solstice? December 21! – this represents the start of winter!

Neolithic Astronomy in Ancient Britain Mayan Astronomy Incan North American Neolithic Astronomy in Ancient Britain Mesopotamian Indian Ancient Egyptian Islamic and Arab Chinese