7 Sky Observations by Earlier Greek Astronomical and Astrological Enthusiasts
Much of our understanding of the skies above, and beyond out in space comes from Greek philosophers, astronomers and mathematicians even as far back as at least 550 B.C. If it wasn’t for early Greeks’ observations thousands of years ago we wouldn’t be as advanced as we are today when it comes to astronomy and astrology.
Sky Observations by earlier Greek astronomical and astrological enthusiasts
- The moon changed shape from night to night
- The moon changed positions at night
- Constellations of stars looked like animals, heroes, Gods and Goddesses
- Two bright stars that could be seen circling the North Pole. We call them “Kochab” and “Mizar”
- The evening star and the morning star were the same body — the planet Venus
- The Earth’s surface is curved. Because of the Sun casting a shadow in another city 500 miles north, while shining over one city, they concluded this determination to be fact.
- Two types of celestial bodies: the fixed stars and the wandering stars. Fixed — were easily seen and they exhibited the same speed and presented themselves in the same arrangement every night, rooted to their related positions to one another. Wandering — the Moon, the Sun; Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter moved to their own particular systems. They wondered at will among the stars.
Who invented the zodiac constellation names?
In the 2nd century CE, astronomer Claudius Ptolemy was responsible for the zodiac constellation names that we recognize one another as today based on their birthdays. However, there is documentation that suggests that Ptolemy did not name every single constellation. However, he is accredited as an important identifier, one who has named the most constellations.
What is the brightest object in the nighttime sky?
The moon is the brightest object in the nighttime sky. It gets its light by reflecting the sun.
Who was the first person to discover Venus?
Greek mathematician Pythagoras was the first person to discover Venus. It was the brightest star in the morning and evening sky.
Who was the first to discover that the Earth was round?
The mathematician Eratosthenes was said to be the first to discover that the Earth was round. He did so with the use of a stick planted inside of the ground in Alexandria, a city north of Syene, Egypt. He awaited a casting of a shadow from the stick when the Sun was to hit it at noon. It did in fact shadow, measuring at 7 degrees.
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Conclusion
Because of ancient Greek philosophers, mathematicians and astronomers we better understand the skies above. Claudius Ptolemy, Pythagoras, Eratosthenes and many other ancient Greeks have paved a way for the future enthusiasts. And now that we have their understandings of astronomy and astrology through their studies, we have a better understanding of how the Earth works and how to advance our position in space and in life in general.
I am a Leo. My girlfriend is a Gemini. And according to today’s philosophers, we are a perfect match. In addition, there have been many talks about whether the Earth is round or flat, but after understanding the Greek Mathematician Eratosthenes’ study that revealed a circular Earth, I’m convinced that his truth is the truth. It all makes perfectly good sense and I owe part of my understanding of today’s world of astronomy and astrology to our fellow esteemed ancient Greeks.
Take a look into the night skies and discover Pluto, Mars, Venus, Neptune and Uranus:
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