Sharing the Skies: Navajo Astronomy

by Nancy C. Maryboy, David Begay

This cross-cultural view of Navajo and Western astronomy provides a look at traditional Navajo astronomy, including their constellations and the unique way in which Navajo people view the cosmos and their place within it. Sharing the Skies provides a look at traditional Navajo astronomy, including their constellations and the unique way in which Navajo people view the cosmos and their place within it. In addition, this book offers a comparison of the Navajo astronomy with the Greek (Western) perceptions. Beautifully illustrated with original paintings from a Navajo artist and scientifically enhanced with NASA photography. 57 color and 8 b/w illustrations

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction, Science, Space, Anthropology

72 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2006

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was informative! The glossary is helpful.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the comparisons of the Navajo constellations with the Classical constellations. I know that some Navajo stories are not for public consumption but I learned more about some of the Navajo constellations from the Navajo Nation Museum (which is open to the public) in Window Rock AZ than I did from this book.

[Joan Porte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Christmas gift so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised on the amount of information and also how they made the world of the Navajo legends mailed with the Western legends.

[Brace1737 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone everywhere enjoys the beauty of the night sky. Many cultures have contributed to our knowledge of the stars. This book tells of the contribution that the Navajo people have made. Their view of the night sky reflects their culture.

Interesting reading for all.

[Jim Gorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was given this as a gift by the wife after she took a trip out West to visit the national parks, since she knows I am into Astronomy and Native American culture. It is a pretty basic introduction into the Navajo culture's use of astronomy to guide their planting and harvesting and hunting schedule during the year. It was a very easy read, and gives you a taste of Navajo culture, but really not a deep dive. You will learn about some of the Navajo constellations that they use, how they differ from Western ones, and how they use them to track the year.

That being said, it was about 1/3 discussion of Navajo customs and history and 2/3 where we get our Western constellations and the history of them. While not bad, I know the Greek stories about how say, Orion, got it's name and legends. I wanted to learn more about the Native American stories and history.

[River James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simplistic and lacking in depth. I attended a talk about native amercan stars and skies at the planetarium at San Juan College in Farmington NM and got a lot more insight in 90 minutes than this book contains. On the other hand, this would probably be a good book for children under 12.