Earth in space, and time

Abstract

Prehistoric peoples took an interest not only in their own world, which we call Earth, but also in the sun, moon and stars. They observed what seemed to be regular movements of the sun corresponding to the time of day and season of the year. They noted the regular phases of the moon, each lunar month, and that the highest tides were on the night of the new moon. They were impressed by these regular changes, which they could not understand but which seemed to regulate their lives, determining, for example, the time for planting and harvesting different crops. It is not surprising that the sun and moon were worshipped by some people.