This book explores the influence of the sky on both ancient and modern
civilization, by providing a clear overview of the many ways in which
humans have used the stars as an ordering principle in their cultures,
and which today still inspire us intellectually, emotionally, and
spiritually. The book explores constellation lore from around the
world, celestial alignments of monuments and temples, both from ancient
and modern civilizations, and the role the sky has played in the
cultures of the Greek, Egyptian, Babylonian, Native American, Chinese,
Mayan, Aztec, and Inca. Models of the universe from each of these
cultures are described clearly, and each culture.s explanation of the
stars, planets, and other celestial objects are described. The roots
of astronomy and astrology are presented with original imagery and
reproductions of ancient manuscripts that portray the structure of
the physical universe as conceived by a diverse array of human cultures
over the centuries. Our own scientific Big Bang cosmology and the
origin of stars and elements are discussed in a philosophical context,
to explore how we as modern people learn about the Universe, and
incorporate the findings of science into our world views. A concluding
chapter provides a summary of modern science's effort to unlock the
celestial secrets from the sky and from past civilizations, and what
these answers mean for us today.

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