Journal or Publication Title:

Բյուրականի աստղադիտարանի հաղորդումներ: Երևանի աստղադիտարանի բյուլետեն = Сообщения Бюраканской обсерватории. Бюллетень ереванской Астрономической обсерватории = Contributions from the Burakan observatory. Bulletin of the Erevan astronomical observatory

Date of publication:

2026

Volume:

73

Number:

1

ISSN:

2579-2276

Coverage:

172-176

Abstract:

The relationship between myth and astronomy began long before telescopes. Celestial change was followed through observation, memory, ritual, and narrative, allowing practical knowledge of seasons and stars to pass across generations. This review examines Zoroastrian cosmology, especially the Bundahishn, and considers its use in astronomy education. It brings together cultural astronomy, science education, Iranian myth studies, and research on narrative learning. Henning’s analysis shows that the astronomical chapter coordinates inherited Avestan material with pre-Achaemenian conceptions, Babylonian zodiacal knowledge, and elements of Greek astronomy in a single cosmological compilation. The Tishtrya tradition offers a focused example in which seasonal concern, ritual time, and Sirius meet within a memorable account. Comparative evidence further suggests that culturally grounded storytelling can connect astronomical concepts with identity without presenting myth as an empirical model. The article proposes a three-stage teaching framework moving from narrative encounter to observational checking and critical interpretation, with particular relevance to historically informed astronomy literacy among younger learners in Iran today.

Format:

pdf

Identifier:

oai:arar.sci.am:439353

General note:

Communications of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (ComBAO) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which publishes research in observational and theoretical astronomy/astrophysics and presents recent advances in these fields. It is being published by the NAS RA V. Ambartsumian Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) in English in electronic form. The journal publishes original papers, review papers, brief reports, book reviews, special communications, observational and theoretical results in various fields of astronomy and related sciences, and some editorial notes, including anniversaries and obituaries. Under the heading “Legacy”, the renewed magazine will republish some old articles of high value in English. The heading “Guest articles” will bring to the attention of readers the articles of researchers who are not employees of BAO. ComBAO was founded in 1946 and regularly published in 1946-1990. However, the publication was interrupted because of the economic situation after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Location of original object:

ՀՀ ԳԱԱ Հիմնարար գիտական գրադարան