Project 3: Exploring the Universe 🚀

Objectives

1. Connect understanding of Greek and Latin naming conventions to the names of astronomical objects
2. Explore non-classical etymologies for stars
3. Learn about ancient perspectives on cosmology and astronomy

Relevance

In this project, you will explore the names of astronomical objects such as moons, planets, and stars. Many objects in our solar system and universe have names originating from the classical tradition, but many do not! In addition, you will read some excerpts from Greek and Roman writers about their understanding of the universe. As you work through this project, consider the ways in which the classical tradition has informed the way we think about the universe, and how those perspectives might have changed over time.

1. Problem 1: Down by the Bayer
2. Problem 2: Moonwalking
3. Problem 3: Probing for Answers
4. Problem 4: The Best and Brightest
5. Problem 5: Astrologic
6. Problem 6: Lost in the Cosmos
7. Challenge Problem: The Root of the Issue

Problem 1: Down by the Bayer

For each of the following groups of stars, use their Bayer designations to order the stars from brightest to dimmest. (Note: Bayer’s observations were calculated solely on observations with the naked eye and may not necessarily reflect the true luminosities of the stars when calculated through modern methods.)

1. δ Orionis, β Orionis, α Orionis, ε Orionis
2. ε Canis Majoris, ο Canis Majoris, δ Canis Majoris, η Canis Majoris
3. π Pegasi, φ Pegasi, ξ Pegasi, γ Pegasi
4. ψ Draconis, δ Draconis, ζ Draconis, η Draconis
5. κ Ophiuchi, θ Ophiuchi, ν Ophiuchi, χ Ophiuchi

Problem 2: Moonwalking

For each of the following planets, look up and provide the names of at least four of their moons and tell what the names of the moons have in common. Are the moon names related to the name of their planet? Why or why not?

1. Jupiter
2. Saturn
3. Uranus
4. Neptune

Problem 3: Probing for Answers

Look up and give the destination for each solar system probe series, and then tell how its name is related to its destination.

1. Venera
2. Juno
3. Helios
4. Phobos
5. Luna

Problem 4: The Best and Brightest

For each of the following constellations, give the proper name of the constellation’s brightest star (i.e., not its Bayer designation). Then look up and give the etymology of that star’s name. Include the language of origin, the meaning of the star’s name, and how it relates (or doesn’t relate!) to the constellation itself.

1. Hydra
2. Cygnus
3. Taurus
4. Lyra
5. Serpens (this star has two names— you can pick either or both to analyze)
6. Boötes
7. Aquila
8. Carina

Problem 5: Astrologic

In an essay of about 200-300 words, compare and contrast the Babylonian, Chinese, Hindu, and Hellenistic zodiacs. What similarities or differences do you see between the systems? How does each system interpret the meanings of planets and/or constellations?

• What are the key similarities and differences between these systems in terms of their structure or symbolic meanings?
• How does each system interpret the significance of planets and/or constellations?
• The word zodiac comes from the Greek root zo meaning “animal”. Do you find the term “zodiac” appropriate for each system?

You are encouraged to consult outside resources to strengthen your analysis, but be sure to cite or include any references that you use. These do not need to be formal citations; a bullet-point list of resources will suffice.

Problem 6: Lost in the Cosmos

Read the following excerpts (in English!) from ancient literature describing the nature of astronomy and the universe:

• Astronomica by Manilius, Book 1, lines 118-254
• On Astrology by Lucian, sections 17-21
• On the Nature of Things by Lucretius, Book 5, lines 416-533

In an essay of about 300-400 words, compare and contrast the way these writers describe the origins of the universe and how they speak about the purpose or conceptualization of astronomy. Compare these with modern notions of how the universe began. What is similar, and what is different?

If you are having trouble accessing the readings, you should either A) confirm that you are logged in with your UW credentials; or B) navigate to the UW Libraries page for the Loeb Classical Library (you may need to scroll a bit to find it) and access the readings through there.

Challenge Problem: The Root of the Issue

For any of the texts in Problem 6, read either the Latin or the Greek and identify 5 words that contain roots that you’ve learned so far. Give the word, the root, and the context (i.e., the sentence or the line you found the word in). What do you think this word means?