For centuries, the role of the Milky Way in ancient Egyptian religion has remained shrouded in mystery. While the Egyptians were known for their intricate understanding of the cosmos, their relationship with this celestial band of stars remained unclear. However, a groundbreaking study by Dr. Or Graur, an astrophysicist from the University of Portsmouth, sheds new light on this enigmatic connection.
Dr. Graur’s research focuses on Nut, the Egyptian goddess of the sky. Often depicted as a star-studded woman arching over the Earth god Geb, Nut plays a pivotal role in Egyptian mythology. She shields the Earth from the chaotic waters of the cosmos and governs the solar cycle, swallowing the sun at dusk and birthing it anew at dawn.
The key to Dr. Graur’s discovery lies in a unique approach – a “double analysis” that bridges the gap between astronomy and Egyptology. By meticulously examining ancient Egyptian texts like the Pyramid Texts, Coffin Texts, and the Book of Nut, Dr. Graur compared these rich sources with sophisticated simulations of the night sky as seen from ancient Egypt.
This innovative approach revealed a compelling connection. Dr. Graur proposes that the Milky Way acted as a celestial spotlight, highlighting different aspects of Nut’s celestial form throughout the year. During winter, the Milky Way’s path accentuated Nut’s outstretched arms, while in summer, it traced the arc of her celestial spine across the heavens.
This discovery sparked Dr. Graur’s curiosity even further. He delved into the realm of comparative mythology, exploring how other cultures viewed the Milky Way. Striking similarities emerged. The role Nut played in ushering the deceased into the afterlife and her link to seasonal bird migrations mirrored how other cultures interpreted the Milky Way – as a path for spirits in North and Central America, or the “Birds’ Path” in Finland and the Baltics.
Dr. Graur’s study transcends the boundaries of a single discipline. It showcases the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, revealing how astronomy can illuminate ancient beliefs and how the night sky has served as a unifying thread connecting humanity across cultures and time. This exciting research paves the way for a larger project – a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted mythology surrounding the Milky Way across various cultures. The Milky Way, once a celestial enigma in the context of Egyptian religion, can now be seen as an integral part of Nut’s celestial embrace, weaving a fascinating tapestry of astronomy and mythology.
The work is published in the Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage.