Читать книгу Universe: The story of the Universe, from earliest times to our continuing discoveries - Peter Grego - Страница 47

A catalogue of the heavens made in 1100 BC lists just five major constellations. In addition, 36 smaller star groups enabled the time to be calculated during the night – helpful tables allowing these calculations to be made have been found inscribed on a number of coffin lids. Osiris, the god of death, rebirth and the afterlife, was represented by the bright, familiar constellation of Orion, and the swathe of the Milky Way represented the sky goddess Nut, who gave birth to the Sun god Ra each day. Circumpolar stars – those stars near the north celestial pole which never set from Egyptian latitudes – were deities known as the ‘Imperishable Ones’.