History
Astronomy is the oldest of the natural sciences, dating back to antiquity, with its origins in the religious, mythological, cosmological, calendrical, and astrological beliefs and practices of prehistory. We look at some of these ancient texts and the greatest astronomers in history.
Astronomers of early civilisations performed methodical observations of the night sky, and astronomical artefacts have been found from much earlier periods. We take a look at some of the famous astronomers and scientific breakthrough throughout history.
The pyramids have exerted a powerful spell on the western world. Where once they were thought to be giant granaries, astronomy has revealed their true purpose.
On his travels in Egypt, Herodotus recounted a story of Egyptian sailors who witnessed sunrise to the north, thus proving they were in the southern seas.
Ever since Tycho Brahe died suddenly more than 400 years ago, there has been a mystery about whether the Dane whose observations laid the groundwork for modern astronomy fell victim to natural causes or was murdered.
In a world where each city had its own calendar, the Greeks looked to the stars to ensure they did not miss Apollo's birthday, an important festival.
The Greek astronomer Hipparchus discovered precession, the slow movement of the heavens, by studying Egyptian astronomical records thousands of years ago.
Although Stonehenge appears to have astronomical alignments, historians now shy away from saying what its builders intended.
Three thousand years ago, two great civilisations existed, both of which made major contributions to the development of astronomy.
The Newtonian Reflector was invented by Sir Isaac Newton in 1672 and was the first to feature the revolutionary 45° mirror.
Ever since the dawn of humankind, we have looked out upon the cosmos in awe of the glory of the heavens above. Here we list some of the greatest astronomers who have shaped our understanding of the known universe.
