Ancient astronomy is one of the foundations of human science, when people began to observe the sky and ask questions about the universe they lived in. Thousands of years ago, ancient civilizations such as Babylon, Egypt, China and Maya had methods of observing and studying astronomical phenomena such as the movements of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars.

Understanding ancient astronomy not only helps us better understand the first scientific advances, but also helps to illuminate the important role that astronomy played in the social, cultural, and religious lives of ancient civilizations. Ancient astronomers used the sky to predict harvests, create calendars, and determine the location of important architectural structures.

Astronomy in Babylon and Ancient Egypt

One of the most advanced civilizations in ancient astronomy was Babylon. The Babylonians developed a complex astronomical system, recording events such as lunar and solar eclipses. They also used the stars to create one of the earliest calendars, based on the cycles of the Moon and planets. These observations laid the foundation for later Western astronomy.

In ancient Egypt, astronomy played an important role in religious and ceremonial life. The Egyptians used the position of Sirius to predict the flooding of the Nile, an important event for agriculture. They also aligned pyramids and temples with astronomical phenomena to honor their gods.

Chinese and Mayan Astronomy

The ancient Chinese also made important contributions to astronomy. They were the first to record comets and supernovae. China also developed a precise calendar system, linking astronomical events to religious holidays and the reigns of emperors.

Meanwhile, the Maya of Central America developed one of the most sophisticated calendar systems based on observations of the movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets. Mayan structures, such as pyramids, were often aligned with important astronomical events, such as solstices and equinoxes.

Ancient Observation Tools and Methods

Despite not having modern devices such as telescopes, ancient people developed many simple but effective tools for observing the sky. One of the most important tools was the gnomon, a vertical pole that measured the shadow cast by the Sun to determine the time of day and the seasons.

In addition, architectural structures such as Stonehenge in England or the Egyptian pyramids were also used as astronomical observation tools. These structures not only served religious purposes but also served as a means to track the movements of celestial bodies.

The Lasting Influence of Ancient Astronomy

The knowledge and observations from ancient astronomy laid the foundation for the development of modern astronomy. Astronomers such as Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Galileo used ancient theories to develop new astronomical models and instruments. Their discoveries opened a new era in our understanding of the universe and Earth’s place in the solar system.

Today, the legacy of ancient astronomy is still studied and celebrated. The tools and methods developed by the ancients are not only a testament to human creativity but also a source of inspiration for future generations of scientists.