Describe a few ways how ancient peoples used celestial objects?

cient peoples used celestial objects in a variety of practical and symbolic ways:* **Navigation:** Stars were crucial for navigation, especially for seafaring peoples. Polynesian navigators, for example, used sophisticated knowledge of star positions and rising/setting points to cross vast stretches of the Pacific Ocean. Constellations like the Big Dipper (used to locate Polaris, the North Star) helped travelers determine direction.* **Timekeeping:** The cyclical movements of the sun, moon, and stars provided the basis for developing calendars and tracking the passage of time. The Egyptians, for instance, used the heliacal rising of Sirius (its first appearance in the dawn sky after a period of absence) to predict the annual flooding of the Nile, a vital event for their agriculture. Stonehenge and other megalithic structures are thought to have been used to mark solstices and equinoxes, key points in the solar year.* **Agriculture:** Celestial observations were essential for determining planting and harvesting times. By observing the constellations and the sun's position, farmers could anticipate seasonal changes and optimize their agricultural practices. The Pleiades star cluster, for example, was used by some cultures to mark the beginning of the planting season.* **Religion and Mythology:** Many ancient cultures incorporated celestial objects into their myths and religious beliefs. Constellations were often seen as representing gods, heroes, or mythical creatures. The sun, moon, and stars were frequently worshipped as deities, and their movements were interpreted as having symbolic significance. For example, the Egyptians associated the sun god Ra with the sun's daily journey across the sky.* **Architecture and City Planning:** Some ancient cities and structures were aligned with celestial events. The pyramids of Giza, for example, are remarkably precisely aligned with the cardinal directions, possibly reflecting the Egyptians' reverence for the cosmos. Temples and other ceremonial structures were often oriented towards the rising or setting sun on specific dates, such as solstices or equinoxes.