March Meeting - Prof David W Hughes
Our next monthly meeting is on Thursday, 5th March 2015 at 7:30pm.
The Influence of Astronomy on Life in Ancient Times
Astronomy had a profound effect on the development of civilisation. As the first science it introduced things that were constant and predictable to what was usually an unpredictable life style. The Sun, Moon, stars and planets provided daily timekeeping and a year-long calendar to regulate their lives, and the means to navigate on land and sea. The yearly variation of the Sun’s rising, setting and noontime positions marked the progression of the seasons and thus heralded the times to gather, hunt, fish, sow and harvest. The monthly variations of the Moon’s phase helped them predict the tides, and see at night.
Astronomy was important in all aspects of ancient life. The Sun, Moon, stars and planets provided a basis for stories, myths, religions, festivals and fortune telling. And pyramids, henges, and churches were all orientated in specific solar directions.
In this talk we go back go back to the time of the cave men and the early towns and cities, and ask a simple question, “What was the use of astronomy?”.
Prof David W Hughes
Visitors are most welcome to attend. We charge just £4 per meeting to cover the cost of the room hire.
For more details of the meeting location go to the meetings page.
Since 1955
