Archeoastronomy: The Night Sky and Ancient People

Thursday, November 21, 2024   7:00pm    Activity Center

The Sun City Oro Vallay Astronomy Club presents “Archeoastronomy: The Night Sky and Ancient People,” presented by Janet Wood, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador.

The discovery of prehistoric structures and artwork around the world attests
to early human’s fascination with the workings of the heavens. Some of
these artifacts date back as far as 45,000 years ago. In contrast to the
strictly scientific discipline of modern astronomy, archaeoastronomy studies
the symbolically rich and varied cultural interpretations of phenomena in the
sky.

This presentation will examine ancient cultures from Europe, Asia, India,
Australia, and Africa, as well as the Americas, and discuss how early tools
and measuring techniques led to the development of modern mathematics
and astronomy. It will also address what happened in the West when myth
and tradition transitioned into dogma, derailing the effort to learn the true
nature of the celestial realm.

Presented by:   Janet Wood, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador

     Janet became a volunteer for the Solar System Ambassador Program in 2002 and has been giving programs on astronomy and space science to a wide variety of audiences since that time. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Geoscience Education with an emphasis in planetary science. 

If you are not a SCOV resident, entry to the Activity Center will be made possible by a volunteer at the door, or you may text Harold Wood at 559-740-9455.