All across the globe people have looked at the night sky and seen myths

September 1, 2023 11:12 AM

Figures in the Sky by Nadieh Bremer, astronomer and data visualization designer, shows how stars have been grouped into constellations by different “sky cultures”, ranging from the familiar modern ones, to those of the Sardinian, Norse, Hopi, Hawaiian, Chinese, Boorong, Arabic and 20 others. You can read a bit more on Bremer’s page for the project.
posted by Kattullus (17 comments total)

Excellent site, beautiful skies! Thanks for posting.
posted by chavenet at 11:23 AM on September 1, 2023

I picked up a nice little book about this a few years ago if you prefer something in tree form: Star Stories by Anthony Aveni.
posted by mykescipark at 11:28 AM on September 1, 2023 [3 favorites]

This is a double to a post originally made by the man of twists and turns. Damn. The URL has changed, so I didn’t find it. I’ve asked the mods to delete my post.
posted by Kattullus at 11:29 AM on September 1, 2023

According to this site, in India, Betelgeuse is known as "the moist one."

Anyone know what that refers to?
posted by SoberHighland at 1:00 PM on September 1, 2023

According to this site, in India, Betelgeuse is known as "the moist one."

It's associated with Rudra, the God of Storms.
posted by Runes at 1:25 PM on September 1, 2023 [3 favorites]

I don't think it is necessary to delete for a five year old double where the url has changed.
posted by tavella at 1:41 PM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]

There's also the Schiller New Testament Constellations, which didn't get widely adopted. I always thought that was a curious little footnote in the history of astronomy.
posted by ovvl at 1:59 PM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]

second that

d'oh
posted by clavdivs at 2:00 PM on September 1, 2023

The Betelgeuse one is fun. Some use it as a standalone, some include the belt, many extend to the bottom of the square, some extend even farther around for a more elaborate figure... and then Macedonia includes Betelgeuse and, ignoring closer brighter stars, two fairly dim stars above it and that is all!
posted by tavella at 2:06 PM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]

I vote keep
posted by Phanx at 2:38 PM on September 1, 2023

Interesting that none of the Orion versions include a specific line for his sword.

Also the Ojibwe totally have the best constellations.

I don't think it is necessary to delete for a five year old double where the url has changed.

We've eased up on doubles deletion for stuff that was either posted a long time ago or has significantly changed. This will probably stay.
posted by Mitheral at 6:27 PM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]

Mod note: This will stay! Enjoy the stars, everyone!
posted by taz (staff) at 11:03 PM on September 1, 2023 [4 favorites]

Thank you! I must have missed it the first time around and spent a literal hour looking at this. I only stopped because I need to sleep.

Damn I love learning about the night sky.
posted by lepus at 12:14 AM on September 2, 2023

I guess I’m too old school to be fully with the new program, but I’m glad people are enjoying it. And I’m glad people are favoriting the original post.
posted by Kattullus at 12:44 AM on September 2, 2023

Beautiful ! Thanks !
posted by nicolin at 1:21 AM on September 2, 2023 [1 favorite]

Stellarium is a software planetarium that, among many other features, can display constellations from many different cultures (Press F4, for sky and viewing options, then pick the "Starlore" tab; you'll want to have constellation lines, labels and art active ("C", "V" and "R" keys) for the full effect).
posted by JSilva at 4:26 PM on September 2, 2023 [2 favorites]

It has been along time since I've seen the stars...were they are constant and fill the sky, drowning out landscape. Perhaps I saw constellations as a reference point but never the shape it's as if it was so much going on other than just the constellations above, something linear about that. what interests me about this is the aspect of time. quite sure 200 years ago the stars above were quite brighter and that light pollution has drowned out the tapestry of the Stars, well for a lot of us. this year's been more difficult due to weather and the Canadian wildfires but I always get a feeling when watching Betelgeuse knowing how far it is and it's eventual fate.
posted by clavdivs at 6:29 PM on September 2, 2023 [1 favorite]