DISPERSION
This
article though focuses on light. To a modern eye, it might look
diamond-like. However, diamonds were not part of jewelry or adornments
in ancient Egypt. However, Egyptians were familiar with certain
semi-precious stones which can act as prisms. Quartz was also common and
used as a prism. This mineral can both refract and reflect light. It
can be said that ancient Egyptians definitely acknowledged and utilized
principles that are foundational in the field of optics.
What is
a prism? It is a transparent optical element that refracts light. It
splits it into component colors. The phenomenon is known as dispersion.
When white light passes through a prism, it separates into a spectrum of
colors (like a rainbow). This means that if white light travels through
quartz, it can produce a clear and defined spectrum. The traditional
classification of the spectrum of visible light includes the following
colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. (ROYGBIV)
It
is highly probably that the ancient Egyptian astronomers and navigators
were aware of the celestial, eight vertice, star model. In this
scenario, they might metaphorically construe it as a 3D crystal
structure. When white light enters this celestial, quartz prism, it is
bent or refracted at different angles depending on the wavelengths of
light. For example, shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are refracted
more than longer wavelengths (red and orange).
Stars are
classified into different spectral types (O, B, A, F, G, K, M). These
types are based on their temperatures and specific wavelengths they
emit. Now, they didn't have this sophisticated system. However, they
could view the colors of stars with the naked eye. In the Big Dipper,
Alioth, Mizar, Phekda and Megrez would be white. Merak would appear
yellowish. Dubhe would seem to be orange. Finally, Alkaid would be
blue-white. Polaris would appear white in the Little Dipper.
It
is therefore conceivable that the ancient Egyptians could have
interpreted this triangular crystal-like structure as a prism. It could
break down or refract light from Polaris into different colors of the
spectrum representing the seven stars of the Big Dipper. If the prism
were understood as a means of revealing the spectrum of light, it could
be interpreted as a bridge between the divine (represented by Polaris)
and the earthly (the seven stars of the Big Dipper).
CONVERGENCE
An
opposite process could conceptually take place where the light from the
seven stars of the Big Dipper is focused toward a single point,
representing Polaris. In optics, converging light involves focusing
light rays from multiple sources onto a single point. If the light from
the seven stars in the Big Dipper were to conceptually converge, Polaris
would serve as the focus where all those light rays meet.
This
convergence could symbolize unification or a guiding principle with
Polaris acting as a beacon or endpoint for the various light sources. In
cultural or mythological terms, it might represent how different
celestial bodies are interconnected or how they lead towards a singular
truth.
Remember, in the JI WEI LIAN 纪玮莲 model, there was a
rising Sun. That may be construed as another vertex; although, it is not
in the Big Dipper. This Sun could just as easily be represented in the
Mao, Hong model. The Sun is a powerful source of light and life.
Basically, it could supercharge convergence and dispersion in a
celestial quartz model.
In Poe-Phi's opinion--if the imagined
concepts have metaphorical validity--then a crystal light structure
would focus coherent light for navigation and disperse light in reverse
for farming cycles. Ancient Egyptians would likely appreciate this dual
nature of light. Clear focused light could act as a guide, similar to
how Polaris serves as a fixed point in the sky. The concept of
dispersing light to observe changes in the environment, like colors of
stars, could reflect seasonal shifts important for farming. This might
inform them about the timing of planting and harvesting as different
celestial patterns correspond to seasonal cycles.
By perceiving
light in this multifaceted manner both as a coherent guiding force and
as a means of understanding seasonal cycles, ancient Egyptians would
have developed a nuanced appreciation for the celestial realm. They
could integrate navigation and agricultural practices. This
understanding intertwines physical observations with their cultural and
spiritual beliefs, showcasing their sophisticated approach to the
cosmos.
It is plausible that ancient Egyptians viewed different
aspects of light as opposite and complementary forces. The light from
Polaris could be seen as a guiding force--clear, dependable and
constant. This type of light might symbolize navigation, direction and
stability. In contrast, colorful, dispersed light resulting from
phenomena like prisms represented variety, change and the dynamic nature
of the cosmos. This could have symbolized seasonal shifts, growth and
the cycles of life. The interplay between the consistent guiding light
and the vibrant, varied light could represent balance in their
worldview. This view could underlie cosmic order and the duality of
existence itself. Furthermore, it would highlight their connection to
the cosmos and the natural world.
TRIANGULATION
These
calculations provide a numerical framework for understanding Thuban's
position relative to Megrez, Polaris, Dubhe and Alioth from the Giza
Plateau. Incidentally, initially Mizar was chosen, but then Alioth was
substituted. The reason was that the declination of Alioth at about
+55.45 degrees matched Megrez at about +53.33 degrees.
The summary of results is as follows:
Thuban-Alioth about 51.37 degrees
Thuban-Dubhe about 30.23 degrees.
Thuban-Polaris about 113.46 degrees
The
remarkable similarity between the angular separation of Thuban and
Alioth (approximately 51.37 degrees) and the slope of the Great Pyramid
of Giza (which is around 51.5 degrees) raises eyebrows as to the
connection between architecture and astronomical observations. Thuban as
the pole star at the time of the pyramid's construction could symbolize
stability and permanence.
The slope of the Great Pyramid is
around 51.50 degrees. To determine if Eltanin (Gamma Draconis) has a
similar angular relationship, particularly with respect to Thuban and
Polaris one can examine its celestial coordinates and figure out the
angular separations. The declination of Eltanin is approximately +51
degrees 29'.
Eltanin's declination aligns closely with the
pyramid's angle. This could signify a direct connection between the
structure and its celestial representations. Eltanin's visibility and
position in Draco during the time of the pyramid's construction
indicates it may have been an important marker for navigation or
ritualistic purposes. Eltanin was seen as the head of the dragon and
Thuban the tip of the tail.
The close relation in degrees also
means the pyramid may have been designed not just for stability, but
also celestial significance in mind; so, it serves both a practical and
spiritual purpose. It supports the belief that by aligning monuments
with celestial bodies it facilitates the pharaoh's journey to the
afterlife.
The declination of Eltanin may be considered more
remarkable because it represents a direct correspondence to the
pyramid's spiritual purpose. The alignment of Eltanin's position with
the slope of the pyramid may symbolize the connection between the
heavens and the earth. These were essentials for Egyptian cosmology and
beliefs about the afterlife.
The angular separation of Thuban
and Alioth is noteworthy as well. This is particularly true for
navigation and illustration of astronomical knowledge. However, it may
not carry the same immediate and cultural weight as the positional
significance of Eltanin.
LITTLE DIPPER
It is now
necessary to reverse the process in order to refine triangulation and to
better locate Thuban. We'll use all 7 stars in the Little Dipper. The
main star will be Kolchab which was the north star between Thuban and
Polaris on a time scale due to precession. Kolchab will be one end of
the axis. What will be the other end?
Prominent: A bright star easily identifiable in the night sky.
Positionally
significant: A star that has a good angular relationship with Kolchab,
contributing to accurate triangulation for refining Thuban's position.
Linked: Ideally connected to navigational references such as Polaris.
DUBHE
Brightness: As the brightest star in the Big Dipper, Dubhe is highly visible. This means it is an excellent reference point.
Navigational
Significance: Dubhe along with Merak helps point toward Polaris. This
establishes its relevance in navigation and spatial orientation.
Angular
Relationship: The angular distance between Kolchab and Dubhe can
facilitate a more precise location for Thuban. This creates a pronounced
axis for triangulation. The Sun's apparent course from east to west is rather predictable. Therefore, this co-ordinate mapping system or a similiar one may have been used specifically to track solar eclipses.
With respect to the Moon, one finds its path varies significantly. It rises and sets at different times each day. The difference depends on its phase and position in its orbit. It can rise several hours before to several hours after the Sun's position.
The arcs of Sun and Moon differ to the orbital tilt and its varying position. This results in different orbital paths for each throughout the day and month. The Moon's orbit is tilted 5 degrees relative to the ecliptic.
Therefore, its course may have been mapped in this manner or a similar one. Lunar eclipses as well may have been tracked and mapped with this system or a like one. It would be interesting to know if both were tracked together on the same or similar map.