Children Of The Sky: Asteroids In Ancestor Myths

Introduction

Asteroids have been present in human imagination since ancient times. Many ancestors believed that these celestial objects were celestial beings that watched over them, affected their lives, and had an impact on their fate.

The Mythical Role of Asteroids in Ancient Civilizations

Asteroids in Greek mythology

Greek mythology is steeped in stories of gods and goddesses who controlled various aspects of life, including the movement of celestial bodies. The Greeks believed that the stars in the sky were the spirits of their ancestors. They also believed that the gods would hurl a star to the ground whenever they wanted to interfere with human life.

The Greeks named these falling stars after one of their gods, Hermes, and called them hermaion. According to Greek legend, Hermes would ride on his chariot at night to collect the souls of the dead and bring them to the underworld.

In Greek mythology, there was also a myth about the birth of the goddess Athena, which states that she was born out of the head of Zeus after he swallowed her mother, Metis, who had the ability to change form. The myth suggests that Athena's birth was associated with the fall of a meteorite, which the Greeks believed was a sign of divine intervention.

Asteroids in Chinese mythology

The Chinese also have myths about celestial beings that control the movements of stars and planets. These beings are known by different names, such as Tian Gong and Dou Mu, and are often depicted as guardians of the heavens.

The Chinese believed that comets and meteorites were omens of important events, such as births, deaths, and the rise and fall of empires. They also believed that meteorites carried the souls of the dead, which is why they treated them with great respect.

Asteroids in Modern Times

The Discovery of Asteroids

The first asteroid discovered was Ceres, which was spotted by Giuseppe Piazzi in 1801. Since then, thousands of other asteroids have been identified, with more being discovered every year.

Asteroids and Space Exploration

Asteroids are of great interest to astronomers and space exploration organizations because they contain valuable resources such as water, minerals, and metals. NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission is an example of a spacecraft that was sent to study an asteroid called Bennu. The spacecraft gathered samples from the asteroid and returned them to Earth for further study.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between an asteroid and a meteorite?

  An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the sun. A meteorite is a piece of an asteroid that has fallen to Earth.

• Can asteroids collide with Earth?

  Yes, asteroids can collide with Earth. One such collision is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.

• Can asteroids be mined for resources?

  Yes, asteroids contain valuable resources such as water, minerals, and metals. Several companies are exploring the possibility of mining asteroids in the future.

• Are there any asteroids named after famous people?

  Yes, there are many asteroids named after famous people, including musicians, artists, scientists, and politicians.

• What is the largest known asteroid?

  The largest known asteroid is Ceres, which has a diameter of about 590 miles (940 kilometers).

Conclusion

Asteroids have played a significant role in human imagination for centuries. From Greek and Chinese mythology to modern-day space exploration, these celestial objects continue to capture our curiosity and inspire us to learn more about the universe.

As we continue to explore the vast expanse of space, there is no doubt that asteroids will continue to play a vital role in our understanding of our place in the cosmos.

Additional Resources

For more information about asteroids and their significance in human history and modern science, please visit the following resources:

• NASA Asteroid Grand Challenge
• Space.com Asteroids
• NASA Asteroids In-Depth

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