Question

One of the most recognizable ancient structures in the world is Stonehenge in Salisbury, England, southwest of London. Built around 3000 BCE, Stonehenge is the site of several henges, or ditches surrounded by banks. The stones that we often associate with the site did not arrive on the scene until approximately 2400 BCE. There are many theories about why this structure was built, but one of the leading concepts is that certain religious ceremonies based on natural phenomena and the movement of the heavens were held on the grounds. Just like the Sphinx in Egypt, Stonehenge seems to have accommodated a striking event during the summer solstice—only this time during the sunrise. During sunrise, the Sun could shine directly through the entire structure of Stonehenge. While not all scientists agree that Stonehenge was intentionally built to allow the Sun to pass through at this time, it does seem too coincidental to have been accidental.

The goal of this timeline is to create a chronological, visual, progression of astronomy over the years, which means that you will need more than just text.However, you will still need text!For each item or event that you add to your timeline, you must include the following:At least one imageThe date and a title for the item/eventA brief descriptionWhy you find this item or event notable in terms of the history of astronomyAny other pertinent information about this item/event

Answer 1

Here’s a proposed timeline focusing on significant events and structures in the history of astronomy, including images and descriptions.

### 1. **Stonehenge (circa 3000 BCE)**
- **Image:** 
- **Date:** Circa 3000 BCE
- **Title:** Construction of Stonehenge
- **Description:** Stonehenge was built as a henge monument in Salisbury, England, consisting of a series of earthworks.
- **Notable for Astronomy:** The structure's alignment with the summer solstice sunrise suggests a connection to astronomical events, likely used for religious or ceremonial purposes tied to the heavens.
- **Additional Information:** Stonehenge began as a circular bank and ditch, with the addition of its iconic standing stones occurring around 2400 BCE.

### 2. **Egyptian Pyramids (circa 2500 BCE)**
- **Image:** 
- **Date:** Circa 2500 BCE
- **Title:** Construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza
- **Description:** Built as tombs for Pharaohs, the pyramids are aligned with precision to the cardinal points.
- **Notable for Astronomy:** Their construction reflects the Egyptians’ advanced understanding of astronomy in terms of alignment and their beliefs about the afterlife, which were deeply connected to celestial bodies.
- **Additional Information:** The Great Pyramid was the tallest human-made structure for over 3,800 years.

### 3. **Stone Circles in Avebury (circa 2500 BCE)**
- **Image:** 
- **Date:** Circa 2500 BCE
- **Title:** Avebury Stone Circle
- **Description:** A prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, Avebury is larger than Stonehenge and encircled a village.
- **Notable for Astronomy:** Like Stonehenge, the stones may have been placed with astronomical observations in mind, indicating a focus on the relationship between the earth and the cosmos.
- **Additional Information:** Unlike Stonehenge, Avebury is an open site, allowing for larger community involvement in celestial observations.

### 4. **Babylonian Astronomy (circa 2000 BCE)**
- **Image:** 
- **Date:** Circa 2000 BCE
- **Title:** The Development of Babylonian Astronomy
- **Description:** Babylonians created some of the earliest star catalogs and astrological systems, documenting celestial events meticulously.
- **Notable for Astronomy:** Their techniques laid the groundwork for future astronomical studies, influencing Greek, Roman, and later medieval Islamic astronomy.
- **Additional Information:** They used the zodiac to map celestial movements, which is a cornerstone of modern astrology.

### 5. **Ancient Greek Astronomy (circa 600 BCE - 200 CE)**
- **Image:** 
- **Date:** Circa 600 BCE - 200 CE
- **Title:** Advancements in Ancient Greek Astronomy
- **Description:** Key figures like Ptolemy, Aristotle, and Hipparchus made groundbreaking contributions, including the geocentric model of the universe.
- **Notable for Astronomy:** The Greeks attempted to explain celestial phenomena while introducing mathematics into astronomy, marking a significant shift in understanding the cosmos.
- **Additional Information:** Their work remained influential until the Copernican Revolution in the 16th century.

### 6. **The Invention of the Telescope (1608 CE)**
- **Image:** 
- **Date:** 1608 CE
- **Title:** Invention of the Telescope
- **Description:** Hans Lippershey, a Dutch spectacle maker, is credited with the invention of the first telescope.
- **Notable for Astronomy:** The telescope revolutionized astronomy by allowing detailed observations of celestial bodies, leading to significant discoveries by astronomers like Galileo.
- **Additional Information:** Galileo's improvements to the telescope helped confirm the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus.

### 7. **The Hubble Space Telescope Launch (1990 CE)**
- **Image:** 
- **Date:** 1990 CE
- **Title:** Launch of the Hubble Space Telescope
- **Description:** The Hubble Space Telescope was launched into low Earth orbit and has provided some of the most detailed images of the cosmos.
- **Notable for Astronomy:** Hubble has dramatically changed our understanding of the universe, contributing to discoveries about the expansion of the universe and the presence of exoplanets.
- **Additional Information:** It remains one of the most important astronomical instruments, with numerous celebrated discoveries.

This timeline captures significant milestones in the journey of human understanding of astronomy through the ages, highlighting both ancient and modern contributions to the field. Each entry provides a glimpse into how astronomical knowledge has evolved and how cultures have interacted with the cosmos.