A turtle shell, recovered from an archaeological site, features engravings that could be an early representation of the night sky. Estimated to be 3,700 years old, the marks appear to align with known constellations. This discovery suggests that the study of stars was a developed practice in ancient cultures.
Analysis Techniques and Stellar Alignment 🌌
The researchers used 3D scanners and astronomical simulation software to analyze the patterns. By superimposing the position of the stars from the estimated era, they found correlations with stellar groupings. The arrangement of the points is not random; it follows an order that implies a systematic method of observation and recording. The medium, the turtle shell, raises questions about the materials used to preserve knowledge.
The First Portable Astronomical Device Was Shockproof 💾
Imagine having to explain at customs that that turtle shell is your navigation equipment. While we complain if our phone screen has a dead pixel, these primitive astronomers worked on an organic hard drive, waterproof and which, in a pinch, could serve as a shield. No firmware updates, but with a warranty of several centuries.