17th-century-celestial-chart-showing-the-ptolemaic-planetary-orbits-5.jpg
17th-century-celestial-chart-showing-the-ptolemaic-planetary-orbits-5.jpg

Navigating the Heavens (Part 1) - The Logos and Mythos of Ancient Greek Astronomy

$375.00

Part 1: Navigating the Heavens

The Logos and Mythos of Ancient Greek Astronomy

Abstract (Part 1): In this first installment, we lay the foundations of the ancient world view. We transition from the Mythos of the constellations—the stories written in the stars—to the first geometric Logos of the celestial sphere. Participants will master the technical vocabulary needed to describe the horizon, the zodiac, and the meridian, all while engaging with the primary texts of Aratus and early Ptolemy.

Syllabus Highlights (Sessions 1–10):

  • Module I: The Mythic Horizon & Early Foundations. From the Babylonian legacy to the sailor's guide in Homer’s Odyssey.

  • Module II: Sphaera Mundi. The principles of spherical astronomy and the introduction to the Almagest. We will calculate the tilt of the Earth and the duration of daylight using ancient instruments.

1. Logistics & Schedule

Part 1: Foundations of the Celestial Sphere

  • Start Date: September 9, 2026

  • End Date: December 16, 2026

  • Schedule: Wednesdays, (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EDT) 17:00 – 18:30 (CET/CEST)

  • Note: A winter hiatus will follow the conclusion of Part 1.

Course Structure:

  • Session Duration: 90 minutes.

  • Total Instructional Hours: 15 hours.

  • Time Zone: Central European Time (CET/CEST).

Part 1: Navigating the Heavens

The Logos and Mythos of Ancient Greek Astronomy

Abstract (Part 1): In this first installment, we lay the foundations of the ancient world view. We transition from the Mythos of the constellations—the stories written in the stars—to the first geometric Logos of the celestial sphere. Participants will master the technical vocabulary needed to describe the horizon, the zodiac, and the meridian, all while engaging with the primary texts of Aratus and early Ptolemy.

Syllabus Highlights (Sessions 1–10):

  • Module I: The Mythic Horizon & Early Foundations. From the Babylonian legacy to the sailor's guide in Homer’s Odyssey.

  • Module II: Sphaera Mundi. The principles of spherical astronomy and the introduction to the Almagest. We will calculate the tilt of the Earth and the duration of daylight using ancient instruments.

1. Logistics & Schedule

Part 1: Foundations of the Celestial Sphere

  • Start Date: September 9, 2026

  • End Date: December 16, 2026

  • Schedule: Wednesdays, (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EDT) 17:00 – 18:30 (CET/CEST)

  • Note: A winter hiatus will follow the conclusion of Part 1.

Course Structure:

  • Session Duration: 90 minutes.

  • Total Instructional Hours: 15 hours.

  • Time Zone: Central European Time (CET/CEST).