Chapter 1: The Ancient Gaze at the Cosmos

Have you ever wondered when our ancestors first began to observe the stars? This celestial connection likely dates back far beyond the emergence of our species.

Recently, I ventured outside to observe the "Green comet." Through my binoculars, it appeared as a faint cloud, a modest sight indeed. The last time this comet graced our skies was approximately 50,000 years ago, leading some to speculate that Neanderthals were among the last to witness it. This thought piqued my curiosity—did these ancient humans gaze upward and ponder the significance of this small, moving object?

While much of what we consider about ancient thought is speculative, it is clear that the sky has held importance for human cultures throughout history. There appears to be an intrinsic connection between humanity and the stars, potentially rooted deep within our evolutionary past.

> "[T]he Quinault maintained a clear record of both solstices. In their villages, elders would sit on stumps or stones to observe both sunrise and sunset, often aligning their sight with a pole or designated tree." - from the Quinault people of North America

Today, when reflecting on the link between ancient civilizations and the stars, one prominent example is the orientation of ancient monuments. Stonehenge, for instance, is aligned with the solstice sunrise. This is not an isolated case; both amateur and professional astronomers have worked diligently to uncover potential alignments at various ancient sites, including recent investigations at Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, home to some of the earliest megalithic structures.

Throughout history, cultures globally have recognized how the stars and moon signal critical seasonal changes, essential for communities reliant on foraging, agriculture, or livestock. The wisdom of these ancient peoples, much of which has faded from our collective memory, was rooted in their understanding of how celestial phenomena could influence life on Earth.

Monuments were born from societies that elevated their knowledge of astronomy to a practice of divination. This awareness of celestial and terrestrial cycles laid the groundwork for beliefs that celestial signs could affect personal destiny—an idea that evolved into various forms of astrology across cultures.

The remnants of such ancient practices still exist today. Few people are unaware of their zodiac sign, as the allure of magic seems inherently tied to celestial signs.

> "The comet, too, owes its existence to magical power. When mariners are blown off course and land on unfamiliar shores, they can signal their survival to their kin using a t'úf ni ˚nizón (comet)." - from the people of Yap

While most knowledge of astronomy from more recent peoples has not left a lasting legacy like Stonehenge, it was nonetheless vital to their existence.

Consider the various communities that have relied on the stars for navigation. For them, stars are not merely points of light; they represent a map guiding them across the Earth. The constellations are woven into narratives, teaching children the ways to derive time and position from the sky. For Pacific Islanders, astronomical signs were part of a comprehensive system of meteorological cues: winds, clouds, waves, and animal behaviors all contributed to their navigational expertise. The stars, ocean, and Earth form a cohesive system.

Our ability to recognize signs allows us to see these connections, a skill that extends deep into our evolutionary history. For early hunters, success hinged on their capacity to interpret the tracks left by their prey, which were as much a part of their environment as the stars themselves. These tracks indicated the presence of animals and the passage of time.

Hunting and foraging societies have identified similar patterns among the stars, often recognizing hunters, prey, and their tools within the constellations. They have noted which stars are prominent during the birth or migration seasons of animals.

Evidence suggests that ancient African communities, Neanderthals, and even earlier populations left marks on objects, indicating their use of signs. Those early hominins who could create and interpret signs likely saw patterns in the stars.

The most profound celestial signs relate to human social realities, with no cycle more significant than that of fertility. Among the most striking astronomical observations is the moon.

> "She was menstruating, 'seeing the moon.' Various !Kung expressions, such as 'going to the moon' and 'being with the moon,' emphasize the moon's role in helping women track their cycles, reflecting their connection to powerful natural rhythms." - from the !Kung people

Some cultures have viewed the moon as the cause of menstruation, while others perceive a deep bond between the moon and femininity. Almost universally, cultures have recognized the alignment of the lunar cycle with the average menstrual cycle.

Could this have been true in ancient times? Some anthropologists speculate that the early use of red mineral pigments was linked to rituals symbolizing menstruation, with evidence of such practices dating back to the earliest markings. These markings often resemble counts, and some suggest they were lunar calendars.

We cannot ascertain whether the reproductive cycles of ancient humans mirrored our own. It's possible they differed significantly; for instance, the cycles of chimpanzees and bonobos are typically more variable and longer than those of humans. Moreover, human menstrual cycles vary, meaning that the apparent synchronicity between the lunar cycle and the average menstrual cycle holds true only for some individuals at specific times.

Yet, this inconsistency has not diminished the notion of a connection between the moon and menstruation. Signs possess a profound influence over our perceptions, and once a correlation is established, our thoughts tend to adapt to accommodate it.

Thus, among the myriad forces shaping the Earth, both seen and unseen, our ancestors looked up to the steadfast stars. And when the sky shifted, they took notice.

> "The comet is tied to a legend about an ancestor who fell in love with an alknarintja woman, a mythical figure who cannot wed. To win her affection, he created an outline of her form in the ground, igniting small spears (the comet's tail) before tossing his spear thrower at it (the comet). Once he succeeded in winning her love, he discarded the image (the comet’s disappearance)." - from the Aranda people of Australia

The comet C/2022 E3 was only identified in March 2022 by Bryce Bolin and Frank Masci, who analyzed data from the Zwicky Transit Facility (ZTF). They calculated its long orbital period of about 50,000 years based on its speed and trajectory against the backdrop of stars. No one was eagerly anticipating its arrival, as its previous appearance was far beyond recorded memory.

It's uncertain whether any ancient humans could have seen it; perhaps it was dimmer in the past and is not particularly bright today. However, my binoculars revealed it even amidst city lights, albeit unimpressively. Astrophotographers suggest that a high-quality telescope might reveal its tail, but the most captivating images have been captured through long exposure techniques.

Nevertheless, fifty thousand years ago, the comet may have shone more brightly. Its current orbit takes it through the northern sky, and recently, it was a few degrees from the North Star, making it noticeable for those familiar with the night sky. Of course, this may not have been the case during its last pass—it could have approached the sun when Earth was on the opposite side of its orbit.

If the circumstances were similar, a moving object against the northern sky's stellar backdrop would have stood out. Someone, somewhere, must have observed it.

Notes: The quotes in this text are sourced from ethnographic materials housed in the Human Relations Area Files database at Yale University. Cited sources are listed below. The mention of !Kung idioms related to the moon comes from "Nisa, the Life and Words of a !Kung Woman" by Marjorie Shostak.

Chapter 2: The Celestial Journey of Comet C/2022 E3

In this chapter, we explore the fascinating journey of Comet C/2022 E3, known for its long orbital period and historical significance.

The first video titled "Our Ancestors: The Evolution of Stars" delves into how ancient civilizations understood celestial bodies and their movements.

The second video further explores the evolution of stars and their importance in shaping human culture and mythology.