Astronomy has been with us for a long time; since around 3300 BCE, when Western astronomy was developing in Summer, Assyria, and Babylon.  Probably there the first astronomers were priests, and their practice and understanding of the science was seen as magical and divine.   Even so, very early in the game astronomy became a science, while astrology became a philosophy.

Replica of Earliest Surviving Telescope; Image Michael Dunn

Initially, astronomy was tied closely with astrology as the two disciplines grew and matured.  The mathematical roots of astronomy were expressed early in the precise positioning of temples, and you can see what technical skill they obtained by the orientation of the pyramids.  A yearly calendar was fixed by studying the movements and positions of the sun, moon, and stars.

The invention of the telescope in 1608 was, of course, of major importance to the science.  Even before the telescope, however, early astronomers were experimenting with lenses in magnification and bending of light waves.  As early as 3rd century BCE, Euclid was writing about reflection and refraction of light.

Replica of Newton's Reflecting Telescope; Image Andrew Dunn

We fortunately have a wealth of artifacts to examine relating to early astronomy.  The temples and observatories themselves, the paintings, tapestry, remnants and stonework keep archaeoastronomers busy.  It wasn’t all gods, goddesses, heroes and legends.  The Antikythera mechanism alone kept scientists guessing for decades.  Some people still believe it is evidence of Earth’s visitation by extra terrestrials.

Antikythera mechanism, National Archaeological Museum, Athens

We always think of the 20th century as the period of most growth in the sciences, and so it may have been.  Still, we need to stop and consider what our ancestors were able to deduce having only their eyes and their minds with which to work.  Amazing…