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The
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August 1999 |
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Learn How Ancient Cultures Viewed the Night Sky at the August SAS Meetingby George Best |
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August Meeting
John H. Randolph Battle Point Astronomical Association Wednesday, August 18 7:30 p.m. A-102 Physics-Astronomy Building University of Washington Come early at 7 p.m. to visit with your fellow members. Bring your slides for after the program. |
In my lifetime, astronomy has beaten other sciences in terms of new discoveries. Textbooks in astronomy today are completely different from the ones I read when I was in college. At the same time, astronomy is the oldest science. It’s been around in one form or another for centuries. For ancient peoples, a knowledge of astronomy was essential in order to decide when to plant crops or how to navigate from one port to another. Indeed, the person who navigated ancient sailing ships was usually called an astronomer, not a navigator. John Randolph, an architect and facilities director of the Battle Point Astronomical Association on Bainbridge Island, will speak about these ancient cultures at our August meeting. John’s main interest is archaeoastronomy. |
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He has studied two archeological sites extensively—one on Bainbridge Island and the other near Susanville, California. He has spoken to many groups about his studies. John is an expert in the field of how Native Americans practiced astronomy. The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, in room A102 of the Physics/Astronomy building on the University of Washington campus. |
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