#AstroMiniBR: Astronomy of the Tupi and Guarani peoples!

Every week, TecMundo and #AstroMiniBR select the most relevant astronomical curiosities produced by the team’s collaborators. Twitter profile I would like to share some more information about the fantastic world of astronomy. Check out!

#1: Craters on the Moon!

Lunar craters are notable features on the Moon’s surfaceproviding opinions It is valuable for scientists and astronomy enthusiasts. These formations emerged as a result of meteorite and asteroid collisions over billions of years and vary greatly in size; Some reach hundreds of kilometers in diameter, while others are just small holes.

Among the most famous is Tycho Crater. Crater with a diameter of approximately 85 kilometers and Copernicus Crater with a diameter of approximately 93 kilometers, which can be easily seen with the naked eye.. A useful classification of lunar craters was proposed by Eugène Shoemaker, who developed a scale for measuring the age of craters depending on weather conditions. This classification helps understand the history of impacts on the Moon and its evolution over time, allowing you to estimate the time since the impact that created the crater.

The physical features of these craters, such as their raised rims, central points, and material ejected from the impact, can be observed in detail, including through binoculars and small telescopes!

#2: Astronomy of the original peoples!

When we think of astronomy, images of modern, deep observations of the Universe come to mind, filled with unprecedented color and clarity. But astronomy is an old science and has found fertile soil in countless civilizations throughout history, including the original peoples of Latin America.

Astronomy of the Tupi and Guarani people, indigenous people living in the region that today includes parts of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, is a fascinating example of this fact and a wonderful display of advanced astronomical knowledge. These ancient cultures developed a deep understanding of celestial movements, with a special emphasis on the Sun.

Use Cuaracy’ ‘Ra’angaba, an astronomical and astrological device, tracked the apparent movements of the Sun throughout the year. Consisting of a series of stones and shadow-forming pieces of wood placed on the ground, this device allowed the Tupi and Guaraní to mark important dates for their agricultural activities and religious rituals. Their meticulous observations of the solstices and equinoxes reveal a sophisticated understanding of the celestial cycles and highlight the importance of astronomy in their culture.

#3: Fog in Pico dos Dias!

The photo below is of a relatively ordinary morning at the Pico dos Dias Observatory in Minas Gerais. Astronomical observations are often challenged by the fog phenomenon that occurs in the early morning hours. This is due to a combination of atmospheric factors and night conditions.

During the night, the Earth’s surface loses heat to space through radiation, cooling the layer closest to the surface. When the temperature of this layer approaches the dew point, the moisture in the air condenses to form microscopic water particles that we see as fog. This is especially common at dawn, when the earth is at its coldest and the atmosphere has not yet had the opportunity to warm up with solar radiation.

As a result, astronomical observatories located high in mountains such as Pico dos Dias, Difficulties are often encountered in the early morning hours due to fogmay harm the quality of observation and require strategies to reduce this impact.

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