As it is, I'm researching the Babylonian calendar during Nebuchadrezzar II's reign for my next novel, and it's fascinating to see how these old civilisations tried to make their sky observations work (in particular fitting the Moon cylces with the Sun Cycles, which were so close, but don't fit perfectly). These old astronomers were the scientists of their time, they just missed essential information.
Yes, they depended upon generations of recorded observations to understand the skies... what a heruclean task! I'm always inspired by our ancestors' cleverness.
For example, the Maya had detailed knowledge of the Venus cycle:
'The ancient Maya called Venus Nohoch Ek’ (Great Star) or Chak Ek’ (Red Star) and they understood the planet’s movements better than any civilization prior. For example, the ancient Maya measured one Venus “year” (or solar orbit) as 584 days, which is less than two hours off its actual length of 583.92 days. What’s more, Maya mathematicians figured out that every five Venus years coincided with eight Earth years (2,920 days) in their respective rotations.'
Loved this one, Maura! Happy New Year!
Thanks Lynda! See you in 2025!
Fantastic piece, Maura! Happy New Year!
As it is, I'm researching the Babylonian calendar during Nebuchadrezzar II's reign for my next novel, and it's fascinating to see how these old civilisations tried to make their sky observations work (in particular fitting the Moon cylces with the Sun Cycles, which were so close, but don't fit perfectly). These old astronomers were the scientists of their time, they just missed essential information.
Yes, they depended upon generations of recorded observations to understand the skies... what a heruclean task! I'm always inspired by our ancestors' cleverness.
For example, the Maya had detailed knowledge of the Venus cycle:
'The ancient Maya called Venus Nohoch Ek’ (Great Star) or Chak Ek’ (Red Star) and they understood the planet’s movements better than any civilization prior. For example, the ancient Maya measured one Venus “year” (or solar orbit) as 584 days, which is less than two hours off its actual length of 583.92 days. What’s more, Maya mathematicians figured out that every five Venus years coincided with eight Earth years (2,920 days) in their respective rotations.'
From here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/chichen-itza-venus-cycle
So cool! Thanks for sharing this knowledge 🙏 and a very happy new year to you!
Wishing you an amazing 2025!