ASX Star Talk: The Night Sky in Ancient Egypt

Sarah Symons, Assistant Professor, McMaster University.

Human interest in the starry sky has left behind a trail of archaeological evidence. In Egypt, this trail includes written hieroglyphic records which can help us understand the origins of astronomy as a human activity. The ancient Egyptian civilisation, itself spanning several millennia, used astronomy in its religious activities, its building projects, and in daily life. This talk describes the ancient Egyptian documents, instruments, and architecture that give us a glimpse into how the ancient Egyptians thought about, observed, and used the night sky.

Sarah Symons is a member of faculty at McMaster University, in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. She is part of the design and instructional team for Integrated Science (known as iSci), a four-year undergraduate degree program combining all areas of science and taught through research. She is also Director of the William J. McCallion Planetarium in Hamilton, a small dome which hosts a different topic and live presentation each week. Her main research area is ancient Egyptian astronomy.

Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Registration: Not required
Organized by: Astronomy & Space Exploration Society
Location: University of Toronto, McLennan Physical Labs, Room 103, 60 St. George St., Toronto

http://asx.sa.utoronto.ca/2015/03/08/star-talk-the-night-sky-in-ancient-egypt/