The Sophistication of Mayan Astronomy

Ancient Mayan civilization was one of the most advanced societies of Mesoamerica. Mayans developed a hieroglyphic writing system and created a mathematics with the concept of zero. They built sophisticated complexes of highways, irrigation, and fortifications. Mayan artistic traditions, featuring stone sculptures and impressive architecture, influenced other cultures. Among their achievements, the Mayans cultivated […]

Space Science in Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt intrigues general audiences. Its pyramids, Sphinx, and complex supernatural belief system have often attracted the attention of pseudoscience. Erich von Daniken’s popular and controversial book Chariots of Gods, for instance, speculated that extraterrestrials influenced ancient Egypt’s religion and civilization. Entertaining as such conjecture may be, scientists provide us with sounder explanations of […]

Australia’s Indigenous Astronomy Tradition

There is increasing recognition of non-Western astronomy traditions. Last year, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) recognized 86 new star names from around the world. Four of those names come from languages of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is no surprise that these languages were able to contribute star names; Aboriginal Australians […]