Naked Science Season 7 Episode 14 Star Clock BC
- January 20, 2011
In the 14th episode of Naked Science's seventh season, titled "Star Clock BC", viewers are taken on a journey back in time to explore the ancient concept of timekeeping. From the Stonehenge to the Pyramids, humans have been obsessed with measuring time and tracking the movements of celestial bodies for millennia.
The episode begins by introducing viewers to the multifaceted idea of time and how it has evolved over the ages. We learn about the different timekeeping techniques used by ancient civilizations, such as the water clock and the sun dial. We also discover how astronomical observations were used to create calendars and track the changing seasons.
The focus then shifts to the ancient Egyptians and their sophisticated astronomical knowledge. We examine the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza and how it was aligned with the North Star to track the movement of the heavens. We also learn about the Egyptian calendar, which was based on the movements of the sun and the stars.
Next, the episode takes us to the ancient Mayan civilization in Central America. The Mayans were renowned for their expertise in astronomy and the creation of calendars. We learn about their long count calendar, which was used to mark out vast periods of time, some of which spanned billions of years. The episode also takes a closer look at the Mayan pyramids and how they were carefully constructed to align with the movements of the sun and the stars.
From ancient civilizations, we then move on to the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries. We explore the life and work of Johannes Kepler, the German astronomer who laid the foundations for modern astronomy. We examine his laws of planetary motion, which helped to explain the movement of the planets in our solar system.
We also discover how Kepler's work influenced the development of the first mechanical clocks in Europe. These clocks were designed to mimic the movements of the celestial bodies and became essential for navigation at sea and other time-sensitive activities.
The episode concludes by highlighting the continued importance of star clocks today. We learn about the complex space missions that rely on precise timekeeping to function. We also look at the future of timekeeping and how advances in technology are making it possible to measure time to unprecedented levels of accuracy.
Overall, "Star Clock BC" is a fascinating exploration of the history of timekeeping and our human quest to understand the movements of the universe. Through ancient civilizations, scientific discoveries, and modern technology, the episode takes viewers on a journey through time, illuminating the deep human fascination with the cosmos.
