Ancient astronomy: Australia issued a coin with the constellation emu
A new silver coin presented by the Royal Australian court is dedicated to the astronomy of the Australian aborigines. The new product opens a series called "Star Dreaming". The design of the coin was done by Scott Towney: the silhouette of an emu, one of the largest birds on the continent, is located against the starry sky. Under the sky, an emu is depicted in a nest with a clutch of eggs, and next to it are three young natives. In the center is the inscription "Ehe emu in the sky". The reverse side traditionally depicts a portrait of Elizabeth II. The coin face value is 1 dollar. All released 5 thousand. copies made of 999 silver. Diameter - 35.8 mm, weight - 15.5 g.
Indigenous people of Australia paid special attention to the objects of the starry sky and astronomical phenomena, which are associated with various mythological stories. In addition, the natives used them to preserve their traditions and transmit knowledge: they drew abstract lines from constellation to constellation, which they used during training. Scientists suggest that some tribes set stones to determine the place of sunrise and sunset at different times of the year.
Photo © news.coinupdate.com
Photo © news.coinupdate.com
Photo © news.coinupdate.com
