An Interactive Introduction to the Medieval Night Sky

'Wilt thou lere of sterres aught?': An Interactive Introduction to the Medieval Night Sky

Directed by Kristine Larsen

When: Wednesday 09 July, 19.00-20.30
Where: Michael Sadler Building: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
This Event is Free of Charge

Why are there so many references to celestial objects in medieval manuscripts? Before the invention of the telescope (and the drowning out of the stars by light pollution), medieval skies offered up many wonders, from constellations, meteors, comets, and aurorae to planetary conjunctions, moon phases, eclipses, and ‘novae’ – old stars that become new to our eyes.

Astronomy professor Kristine Larsen takes you on a journey through the night sky as medieval eyes and mind would have experienced it, explaining the cause of these phenomena and their patterns and surveying the beliefs concerning them found in medieval chronicles and other literature. Attendees will apply their new knowledge of the sky through the use of a planisphere and star clock (simplifications of medieval instruments) that are theirs to take home.

This session is presented by Central Connecticut State University astronomy professor Kristine Larsen. She gave introductions to the medieval astrolabe at the International Medieval Congress at Western Michigan University for several years, as well as numerous other universities and educational centres.