Jane/Dundas Library: Archaeoastronomy: 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, to the builders of Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, 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.

Dr. John Percy is Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, in Astronomy & Astrophysics, and in Science Education. His research deals with the nature and evolution of the stars. He was recently awarded the 2013 Education Prize of the American Astronomical Society.

Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Registration: Not required
Organized by: Toronto Public Library
Location: 620 Jane Street, Toronto, ON M6S 4A6, 416-394-1014

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT251830&R=EVT251830