Abstract
Observation of the beauty in nature lies at the foundation of science. It is also a key to cultural identity and survival. Observationally derived knowledge of natural cycles — the diurnal movement of astronomical bodies across the sky, annual migrations of the sun on the horizon and up and down the celestial meridian, phasing of the moon across the sky, migrations of planets, pulsating climate and geological activity, and the life cycles of plants, insects, aquatic creatures, birds, and animals — is possibly our most valuable possession. The ability to notice something that raises a question in the mind, then to formulate an answer that can be expressed in the ways we see ourselves within the surrounding world, and how we behave within that environment are critical hallmarks of being human. Knowledge that allows us to know what to expect in the future based upon observation from the past leads to our well being and survival.
In the house made of dawn, In the house made of evening twilight, In the house made of dark cloud and rain In beauty I walk. With beauty before and behind me, With beauty below and above, With beauty all around me, I walk Excerpted from the Navajo Night Chant (Matthews, 1995: 143-145)
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Del Chamberlain, V. (2000). Native American Astronomy: Traditions, Symbols, Ceremonies, Calendars, And Ruins. In: Selin, H., Xiaochun, S. (eds) Astronomy Across Cultures. Science Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Science, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4179-6_9
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