Question

How have people used stars throughout history? Select all that apply.
Group of answer choices

tracking the motion of the planets in Earth's solar system

creating calendars

navigating

providing specific coordinates for places on Earth

Answer 1

All of them.

- Tracking the motion of the planets: ancient astronomers watched planets move against the background stars to record and predict planetary motion.
- Creating calendars: heliacal risings and the positions of constellations were used to mark seasons and build calendars.
- Navigating: sailors and travelers used stars (especially Polaris and constellations) to determine direction.
- Providing specific coordinates: star altitude and celestial observations were used to determine latitude (and, with timekeeping, longitude), giving coordinates for places.