Observational astronomy is a branch of astronomy that collects data on the observable universe. It is the practice and study of studying celestial objects through telescopes and other astronomical devices. Observational astronomy is traditionally divided into five areas of the electromagnetic spectrum: radio astronomy, infrared astronomy, optical astronomy, high-energy astronomy, and occultation astronomy.
At Space India, through the Space Observatory at Delhi Public School, Faridabad, provides astronomical experiences unlike any other program. The observatory, which serves as a 360-degree learning tool for students, a photographic centre for enthusiasts, and an exploration station for astronomy academia, has defied mechanical laws to provide a simple yet everlasting answer. With multi-operational assistance, the observatory builds capacity for scientific research as well as curriculum development for schools by providing resources, expertise, and experience.
But how the Observational Astronomy came into existence and do we really have any proof behind it. Let’s dive into it.
800 km south of Cairo, near the edge of the Al Wadi Al Gadid Desert, Wendorftook and his team discovered Nabta Playa: an ancient stone monument from the Egyptian Neolithic period, the final period of the stone age during which ancient humans were transitioning from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a more settled one. The period lasted for different lengths of time in various regions, with the Egyptian Neolithic period lasting approximately from 8500 BCE to 5000.
Initially, the stone structures of Nabta Playa were thought to have naturally formed. However, the geography of the region did not support this assumption. During the Neolithic era, due to a different climate in the region, Nabta Playa was a closed lake basin. Any stone that naturally occurred in the lake would be destroyed. Thus, the ancient humans purposefully place the megalithic structure of Nabta Playa around 7500 BCE. This is one of the earliest sites from the Egyptian Neolithic period.
When archaeologists sought to understand why, they realized that Nabta Playa was an astronomical observatory aligned to Arcturus, Orion’s Belt, Sirius and Alpha Centaurus during an era when there was no pole star. This makes Nabta Playa the world’s oldest observatory even though the main structure is a stone circle that was only four meters in diameter, relatively small compared to future structures. Through the reflection of the dark waters, the ancient humans could identify the approach of the summer solstice which marked the arrival of the summer rains. Meanwhile, the reflection of the stars during the night aided in travel across the featureless area. This was increasingly important during the transitional period when the region was slowly drying up.
Around 5000 years ago, the desert took over the region due to climate change. The large bodies of water that littered the region started drying up, leading to a collapse of the civilisation, as people left in masses due to the lack of water. Archaeologists believe that the people made their way towards the only source of water in the area, the Nile River. The Nabta Playa, the other stone megalithic and their people may have been the origins of the pre-Pharoic Egypt that Fred Wedorftook sought.
Each observation contributes to a better knowledge of nature’s fundamental workings, from star formation to the mysterious dark matter and dark energy that regulate the universe’s growth. Our pursuit of celestial knowledge stimulates technological breakthroughs and generates wonder, motivating us to continue exploring and discovering the mysteries that exist beyond our planet. Who knows what mysteries we might reveal?
—
If you like the blog, enrol your school or yourself (k-12 student) in our School Programs or Online Programs, call us at +91-74020 74020 or write to us for any query: getintouch@space-india.com
