Hamilton Amateur Astronomers: Archaeoastronomy: The Astronomy of Civilizations Past
For millennia, people (including our First Nations) have used the sky as a clock, calendar, and compass. Astronomy thus became deeply rooted in their spirituality, mythology, and culture. This profusely-illustrated, non-technical presentation will describe the astronomy of civilizations ranging from the Polynesians who navigated the vast Pacific Ocean, the builders of Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Egypt, and the Chinese, Indian, and Islamic astronomers who preserved and developed astronomy through Europe’s “Dark Ages,” leading to the Copernican Revolution and our present conception of the universe.
Our speaker this evening will be John Percy
John Percy (PhD Astronomy 1968 University of Toronto) is a very active Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, in Astronomy & Astrophysics, and in Science Education. He was a founding faculty member of the University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus in 1967.
His research deals with the nature and evolution of the stars, and he has published over 250 research papers and three books in these fields, most recently “Understanding Variable Stars” (Cambridge 2007).
He has also been active in science education, especially astronomy education, at all levels, throughout the world. He has edited five major conference proceedings in this field. He has served as president of six national or international scientific and educational organizations, and as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Ontario Science Centre, and as Honorary President of the Science Teachers Association of Ontario. He has received many awards, most recently the inaugural University of Toronto President’s Teaching Award in 2007, the inaugural Qilak Award of the Canadian Astronomical Society for outstanding contributions to public appreciation and understanding of astronomy in 2012, and the 2013 Education Prize of the American Astronomical Society. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
Non-members are welcome
Non-members are welcome to join us at our general meeting events to see what we’re all about. You’ll find a club full of enthusiastic amateur astronomers passionate about this fascinating science and hobby. We’re confident you’ll want to become a member of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers and join us in exploring this fascinating hobby.
Door Prizes
There will be a draw for door prizes at the meeting and a free door prize ticket to all who arrive before the 7:30 start time!
Food Share Donations
Donations of non-perishable food for the Hamilton Food Share program will be collected at this meeting. Please drop off any items at the drop-box located near the entrance of the auditorium. All donations gratefully accepted and thanks to your generosity we’ve collected thousands of pounds of food since we began. Let’s keep up the great work as the need continues.
Become a member
Becoming a member of the HAA opens up new opportunities to take your love of astronomy further! Members have access to our star nights at the Binbrook Conservation Area, our telescope loaner program, social events such as our Cosmology Discussion Group, and more!
Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Reservations: Not required
Organized by: Hamilton Amateur Astronomers
Location: The Hamilton Spectator, 44 Frid Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3G3 (near the junction of Highway 403 and Main St. West)
https://www.amateurastronomy.org/archaeoastronomy-astronomy-civilizations-past/