What are two things human ancestors used the sky for?

Human ancestors primarily used the sky for telling time and navigation. Before the advent of modern technology, the celestial sphere served as a crucial natural resource, guiding daily life and long journeys.

The Sky as an Ancient Clock

For countless generations, the sky was the most reliable and universal timing system. Lacking watches or clocks, early humans depended entirely on the sun, moon, and stars to understand the passage of time.

• Daily Rhythm: The sun's position in the sky indicated the time of day, helping ancestors know when to wake, hunt, rest, or gather. The rising and setting sun marked dawn and dusk, crucial for daily activities and safety.
• Seasonal Tracking: The changing positions of stars throughout the year, as well as the phases of the moon, helped communities track seasons, predict weather patterns, and determine optimal times for planting, harvesting, and migration.

Celestial Navigation

Beyond telling time, the sky was an indispensable tool for navigation, especially during travel across unfamiliar terrains or open waters. The consistent patterns of stars provided fixed points of reference.

• Directional Guidance: Stars served as natural compasses, allowing people to determine cardinal directions like north and south. This was particularly vital for long-distance travel and exploration. For instance, during historical periods of enslavement, individuals seeking freedom often relied on specific stars, such as the North Star, to orient themselves and find their way north.
• Route Planning: By observing the rise and set points of celestial bodies, ancestors could establish general directions and maintain a consistent course, making planned journeys more efficient and reducing the risk of getting lost.

The table below summarizes these two essential uses: