Читать книгу Universe: The story of the Universe, from earliest times to our continuing discoveries - Peter Grego - Страница 35

Tens of thousands of years ago our ancestors believed the skies had a greater purpose than to be simply admired for their splendour. The heavens were considered to have a purpose; those fixed stellar points of light actually meant something. Those bright objects which appeared to move – the Moon, Sun and the five planets – were imagined to have a special significance. So the skies became incorporated into human affairs, and astrology was born. Unexpected changes in the skies – bright comets, eclipses and novae – were considered to be potent warnings or revelations to humanity.

Carved into Irish rock 50 centuries ago, this set of curves found in the Knowth prehistoric tomb in Ireland may represent the oldest map of the Moon.