sharing the skies text 2-18-15_Layout 1 2/26/15 5:46 PM Page 33
Part II:
Comparative Astronomy LOOK UP FROM THE EARTH AT WHAT THE NAVAJOS CALL YADIŁHIŁ, THE
UPPER DARKNESS. . .
The Náhookos Constellation ‘ NAVAJO NAME: Náhookos Constellation ‘ PRONUNCIATION: Na hoe kos TRANSLATION: Náhookos Constellation ‘ WESTERN NAME: None LOCATION: Big Dipper / Cassiopeia / Polaris OBSERVED PATH: Circumpolar / Double Motion
The Náhookos Constellation is actually composed of three separate but related ‘ stars or groups of stars, which, to the Navajo, are thought of as one. Two of
The Big Dipper’s motion
these, Náhookos Bi’ka ’ (Male Revolving One) and Náhookos Bi’áád (Female ‘ ‘ ‘ Revolving One), are located opposite one another, with the third, Náhookos ‘ Biko’ (Central Fire of Náhookos) in the middle. The orientation of the first two ‘ ‘ constellations changes, giving them the appearance of rotating slowly as they
as a calendar and an indicator
orbit (revolve) around Náhookos Biko’. Because the three Náhookos star aster‘ ‘ ‘ isms form one related group, they are often discussed together.
see the Dipper start its
Náhookos Bi’ka ’ and Náhookos Bi’áád move in a double motion through ‘ ‘ ‘ the sky. First, both constellations follow a counter-clockwise orbit around
position relative to each
Polaris. Second, they rotate around themselves. They also appear to move in relation to the horizon, at certain times appearing above Polaris, at others
around Polaris has been used
of seasonal change. At roughly the same time throughout the year, you can
nocturnal circuit in a different
season.