Historical Astronomy 10000BC-3000BC
•
10000BC
–constellations, lunar cycle, discovery of planets?
–calendar refinements
for agriculture
–counting schemes
–months, year (in
months, but uneven)
•3000BC
–# of days in year: ~360
•(360 degrees in circle)
–heliacal rise of Sirius
in Egypt -> 365 days
–celestial pole
–modern constellations
(from Med. sailors)
–solstices, equinoxes,
Astrology
–astronomical monuments
(Stonehenge, Pyramids, etc.)
–astronomy strong in
Mesopotamia/Europe, China, Africa, Polynesia, Americas:
everywhere!
