Expert: Ed - 4/5/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Greetings...
I might be asking a very goofy question, but...

I am trying to access how the night sky-with the most obvious constellations--might appear during the major moon phases...

I am pursuing some research on the Adena Mound Builders of Ohio, and  'think'--conjecture--
that certain glyphs pertain to this...

Thanks...My...that was quick...

What I mean--as to how  for example--the Dipper--might be viewed--
if possible differently--  due to the position of the moon, for example
with a full moon...?...

Thank you for the recommended resource...I will pursue this...

         most grateful, Mike Cloncs

         most appreciative of any time, and guidance, which you might provide me...

         sincerely, Mike Cloncs
         Alexandria, Indiana
Answer -
Michael,

No question is ever goofy.  There's no reason why you should already know all the answers in life, in my humble opinion.

The constellations do not change in relation to the phases of the moon.  The moon goes through a complete cycles every month, but the constellations take many, many, MANY thousands of years to change even slightly.

Does this answer your question?  I might be misunderstanding what you're trying to ask me.  Please let me know, if I am just totally out to lunch.

I have read one interesting book by a highly reputable author, which deals in part with the Adena culture.  I recommend that you seek out a copy of "Hidden Cities: The Discovery and Loss of Ancient North American Civilization," by Roger Kennedy.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0140255273/qid=1112726662/sr=1-1/r

I hope this is helpful.  Keep Looking Up!
--Ed  

Answer
Mike,
Hmmm, okay, I'll try again.  Are you asking whether the Big Dipper, (for example), could incorporate the moon into itself at certain times, as part of the constellation?  I suppose that could be possible.  As you may be aware, the ancient Chinese had a myth about the moon periodically being eaten by a giant space dragon.  This accounted, in their paradigm, for its mutable form.  I believe that they also had a constellation called the Dragon, so it may very well be that they had myths connecting the constellation to the form of the moon at certain phases, etc.

So, I don't know for sure, but it sounds to me like a plausible possibility.

Here is a good link about constellations in general.  Maybe you could look at the "References, Resources and Links" link, down near the bottom of the page.  See if there's anyone else you could contact.
http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/

To sum up -- I can't answer your question with any authority, but it doesn't sound impossible.  Hey, wait, I have an idea.  Here is the webpage of Anthony Aveni, who is probably the world's leading authority on ancient astronomical beliefs:
http://departments.colgate.edu/physics/faculty/aaveni.htm

Maybe you could ask him!  If I were you, I would take some time to carefully prepare your question, so as not to waste this guy's time.  He is very highly respected, etc.  Just a suggestion.

I hope this is helpful.  Keep Looking Up!
--Ed