Astronomical History & Mythology Glossary

I. What was the Copernican Revolution? The Copernican Revolution, also known as the heliocentric revolution, was a major shift in scientific thought that occurred during the 16th and 17th centuries. It was named after the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who proposed a new model of the universe in his seminal work “De revolutionibus orbium coelestium” … Read more

I. What is Comet Halley? Comet Halley, also known as 1P/Halley, is one of the most famous comets in history. It is a periodic comet that orbits the Sun every 76 years, making it one of the most well-studied comets by astronomers. Named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who predicted its return in 1705, … Read more

I. What is The Rosetta Stone? The Rosetta Stone is a famous artifact that played a crucial role in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. It is a large, inscribed stone slab that was discovered in 1799 near the town of Rosetta in Egypt, hence its name. The stone is inscribed with a decree issued by King … Read more

I. What is the connection between astronomy and ancient agriculture? Astronomy and agriculture have been closely linked throughout history, with ancient civilizations relying on celestial events to guide their farming practices. Astronomy provided ancient farmers with crucial information about the changing seasons, optimal planting and harvesting times, and the movement of celestial bodies that influenced … Read more

I. What is the Legend of Phaethon and the Sun Chariot? The Legend of Phaethon and the Sun Chariot is a well-known myth from ancient Greek mythology that explains the movement of the sun in the sky. The story revolves around Phaethon, the son of the sun god Helios, who attempts to drive his father’s … Read more

I. What are the Constellation Fables of Aesop? The constellation fables of Aesop are a collection of stories that explain the origins of the constellations in the night sky. These fables are believed to have been passed down orally for generations before being written down by the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop. Each fable tells a … Read more

I. What is the Hubble Space Telescope? The Hubble Space Telescope is a powerful astronomical observatory that orbits Earth and captures stunning images of the universe. It was launched into space in 1990 and has since provided scientists with invaluable data about the cosmos. Named after the famous astronomer Edwin Hubble, the telescope is a … Read more

Who was Tycho Brahe? Tycho Brahe was a Danish astronomer and nobleman who lived from 1546 to 1601. He is often considered one of the most influential astronomers of the Renaissance period. Brahe was known for his meticulous observations of the stars and planets, as well as his development of new instruments for measuring celestial … Read more

I. What role did astronomy play in early science fiction literature? Astronomy has always been a source of wonder and inspiration for writers, and this is especially true in the realm of science fiction literature. Early science fiction authors often looked to the stars for ideas and themes to incorporate into their stories. The vastness … Read more

I. What was the Golden Age of Islamic Astronomy? The Golden Age of Islamic Astronomy refers to a period of flourishing scientific and intellectual advancements in the Islamic world, particularly between the 8th and 14th centuries. During this time, Islamic astronomers made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, building upon the knowledge of ancient … Read more