How Ancient Astronomy Mixed Science with Mythology

Press/Media: Expert Comment

Description

Jarita Holbrook describes the many ways that people have used the sky and continue to use the sky as well as the many links to indigenous cultures. Produced by National Geographic Explores as part of the international web series. 

Period10 Feb 2021

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleHow ancient astronomy mixed science with mythology
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletNational Geographic
    Media typeWeb
    Duration/Length/Size7:36 minutes
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    Date10/02/21
    DescriptionMANY MILLENNIA BEFORE any person would look through a telescope or ride a rocket ship into outer space, our ancestors gazed up at the night sky with fascination, reverence, and a deep desire to know more. Early stargazers tracked the movements of stars and planets and found ways to incorporate them both practically and symbolically into their daily lives. People used this intricate knowledge of celestial objects and events to tell time and navigate, but they also used the stars and planets to tell stories, build societies, and most remarkably understand their own human relationship to the universe surrounding them.
    Producer/AuthorMileana Hamilton
    PersonsJarita Holbrook
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Keywords

  • astronomy
  • cultural astronomy
  • indigenous science