Math and Astronomy - Ancient Mesopotamia: Portrait of a Dead Civilization, E25

Dr. Josh there are a series of books called the Burnham's Celestial handbook, they're a three volume series (set of books) written by Robert Burnham Jr ( who was on the staff of the Lowell Observatory, in Flagstaff, Arizona), they cover all 88 constellation in the sky. You would really enjoy them I think. They are a bit old (from 1977) but much of the information is still relevant, they talk about what science knows now (at least knew in 1977), but what I think you'd like about them is they have lot's of very detailed information on the way Ancient cultures and civilizations saw astronomy and constellations as well. It tells the Mythological stories from different Ancient cultures about the constellations (and the characters they are named after), it shows what ancient coins and art work Constellations and certain stars are found on, it also gives poems written from Ancients about Constellations and Stars. They are truly a wonderful source. In fact In its former, privately printed edition, this handbook (series) was acclaimed as one of the most helpful books for astronomers on any level. And with all the Ancient historical information in them, I'm willing to bet you'd love them as well.

Great video that has opened up a rabbit hole of research for me.

Specifically of interest is the pre-Seleucid star catalog contained on tablet BM 46083 (Sachs-1952). In this tablet the position of η Piscium is placed at 354°52', 5°14', β Arietis at 2°1', 8° 24' and α Arietis at 5°40', 9° 54', etc. Converting η Piscium to R.A. gives 353°11' (A Late Babylonian Normal and Ziqpu Star Text [2004] NA Roughton, JM Steele, CBF Walker). The current R.A. of η Piscium is 1h, 31m, 29s or 22° 52' 15". As the procession of equinoxes moves at a rate of 1° every 72 years, the astronomical dating of this tablet should be about 2138 years ago. α Arietis is currently at RA 2h 07m 10s or 31° 47' 30". subtracting the RA from the tablet (my maths RA 1° 50' 50") gives 29° 56' which is again about 2156 years ago.

Do you know how this tablet was dated to pre-Seleucid times?

Im finnishing this series in less. Than a day... This is amazing ❤️

Came here from Shannon and Shane 😊👍🏻

Thank you Dr. Josh.

nice intro :)

I am so very happy to have gone on this journey with you. It continues to humble me but also amaze me.
I will not turn into a scholar, but I understand humanity and myself a little better by that peek into history and the respect for the peoples of the past it gave me.

P.s. I love the new picture of the channel also. It's very uplifting and makes me smile.

I came for the astronomy and math, and was pleased with a discussion of learning, expertise and knowing what you can and cannot comment on with authority.

When can we expect the intro will change to "Dr. Josh and Dr. Megan"?
Would be interesting if you could get an expert for the (maybe) separate maths/astronomy video.
Great series!

@godless recovery: How Do You Know That?