Mayan Cosmos

The Mayans were a prominent indigenous Mesoamerican civilisation renowned for their advanced writing, mathematics, astronomy, and monumental architecture. Their view of the Cosmos was a rich and interconnected view of the universe that explained how the heavens, Earth, and the underworld were linked. The ancient Maya believed the universe was divided into three main realms: the sky above, the earthly world where people lived, and the underworld known as Xibalba. These realms were connected by the sacred World Tree, which symbolised the connection between gods, humans, and natural world. The movements of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars were seen as important messages from the gods, influencing farming, ceremonies, and daily life. This in-depth understanding of the Cosmos shaped Mayan religion, architecture, calendars, and scientific observations. In this talk I will introduce you to what we know about their cosmogony and their view of the night sky. This session will also include the full dome movie ‘Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe’.

Age requirement 16+

Bookings essential

Important notes:

Please arrive 15mins prior to session commencement to register and be seated comfortably.

For safety reason, entry after the session has begun and re-entry are not permitted.

Parking in P6 carpark or along University Boulevard, is free of charge on weekends.

NO food or drink is permitted inside the Planetarium.