Category Archives: Historical

Astronomy & the Catholic Church

Posted on February 12, 2021 by olivesobservatory

Although some might make the claim that the Catholic Church has and always will be anti-science (a myth perpetuated partly by Catholic fundamentalism), the church has actually had a longstanding relationship with the sciences dating as far back as the early Middle Ages. [1] The beginning of the church’s interest in astronomy began when issues… Continue reading →

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Johannes Kepler in Context

Posted on February 11, 2021 by thestarstudent

Johannes Kepler (December 27, 1571 – November 15, 1630) was a German astronomer best known for discovering three laws (although he did not call them that) about planetary motion. These laws state that 1) planets orbit around the sun in an elliptical shape; 2) The planet covers an equal area in equal time during itsContinue reading “Johannes Kepler in Context” Continue reading →

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Celebrating the Vernal Equinox

Posted on February 8, 2021 by wslopes

Spring is a season that is characteristically associated with birth and life. It symbolizes an end to Winter and the transition to the (personally) much more favorable, Summer. While I probably enjoy Summer more than Spring overall, there is something about the feeling I get seeing all the plants grow, the leaves come back, tonsContinue reading “Celebrating the Vernal Equinox” Continue reading →

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The Western Zodiac’s Origins

Posted on February 7, 2021 by weatherbysofferings

One of the most interesting aspects of Astronomy for me specifically is the element of spirituality or philosophy it tends to invoke. To witness the majesty and scale of universe evokes such wonder that, if you’ll allow some hyperbole, can at times be akin to a religious experience. I comment this not to say thatContinue reading “The Western Zodiac’s Origins” Continue reading →

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The History of Winter Solstice Celebrations

Posted on February 7, 2021 by miichellewang

The winter solstice occurs every year around the 21st of December. In the northern hemisphere, this day marks the longest night of the year. It also signifies the official start of winter. Throughout history, many cultures have developed their own ways of celebrating and honoring the winter solstice. Saturnalia Saturnalia is an Ancient Roman holidayContinue reading “The History of Winter Solstice Celebrations” Continue reading →

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Our Entire Universe in One Year

Posted on February 6, 2021 by zhengjs1

Imagine if we were able to fit the history of our entire universe—from the Big Bang all the way up to today—into a single calendar year. That would be crazy right? Well look no further because that’s exactly what the Cosmic Calendar is. Created and popularized by Carl Sagan, the cosmic calendar compresses 14 billionContinue reading “Our Entire Universe in One Year” Continue reading →

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The Milky Way in Other Cultures

Posted on February 6, 2021 by connorrobbwilcox

The Milky Way Galaxy was named not from the candy bar, but from the intriguing way it appears, looking like a river of spilled milk on the dark background of space. Where this name came from however is equally as intriguing, and, many cultures have various names for the Milky Way. But, each one hasContinue reading “The Milky Way in Other Cultures” Continue reading →

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Eclipses and History

Posted on February 6, 2021 by derrick37027

A seemingly everlasting problem historians run in to are exact dates. Since each ancient civilization had their own calendar and their own way of measuring time, it’s a challenge for historians to connect the dots between civilizations and produce an accurate timeline of human history on the Earth. However, historians have discovered the common denominatorContinue reading “Eclipses and History” Continue reading →

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The Discovery of the Speed of Light

Posted on February 6, 2021 by allyworthington

While Aristotle believed that light could travel instantaneously, the first experimental attempt to measure the speed of light came from Galileo Galilei in 1667. He placed two people with covered lights on the top of hills that were about a mile apart. The first person was instructed to uncover his light, and when the second … Continue reading The Discovery of the Speed of Light → Continue reading →

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Astrolonomy?

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Peter Taylor

A little over two weeks ago, we entered arguably one the thirteen coolest months of the zodiac: Aquarius. (Yes, we still love you Ophiuchus). But what does that really even mean? What is Aquarius? Well, as I am sure you can tell from the constellation, Aquarius is clearly a water-bearer. But it is also muchContinue reading “Astrolonomy?” Continue reading →

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