Integrating Cultural Astronomy into Public Outreach Programs

The modern night sky showcases the remains of cultural interactions that span millennia. Greco-Mesopotamian sky pictures are called by Latin constellation names, but their brightest stars are designated with the letters of the Greek alphabet. Some of these stars also have Greek or Roman proper names, but modern astronomers call most by names derived from Arabic. Of these Arabic star names, some describe Greek astronomy, while others describe indigenous Arabian astronomy. Despite this cultural messiness in the night sky, astronomy outreach programs continue to focus on Greek mythology and a decidedly Western view of the night sky. Taking indigenous (non-Greek) Arabian astronomy as a frame of reference, this presentation offers an alternative to the traditional Greek cultural stories that also addresses core astronomical concepts like precession and proper motion. Other indigenous traditions from outside of Arabia can also be used to similar effect. The application of non-Western astronomical traditions to astronomy outreach programs presents something new to observatory guests that inspires awe and activates curiosity.