Mapping the Heavens: Celestial Cartography Through the Ages

Initially, Earth was seen as the center of the universe surrounded by orbiting planets and stars. Then, the Sun became the center of the cosmos. Finally, there was no center but instead a vast array of galaxies with individual stars, some with their own retinue of planets. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in our Solar System prompted by the launching of giant orbiting telescopes and space probes, which have made once unimaginable discoveries. In this presentation, Kanas will share with us the ways in which humans have been fascinated by the night sky for thousands of years. We have populated it with images of imaginary beasts, gods and goddesses that reflected important aspects of our various cultures.  Both constellation maps and maps of the solar system will be illustrated from antiquity to modern times. Through a historical examination from the perspectives of the people who made them, these images will tell us much about our ancestors and how we got to where we are today. Author of: Solar System Maps: From Antiquity to the Space Age. Book signing to follow the talk.

Speaker: Nick Kanas, Royal Astronomical Society