In essence, math serves as the universal language of the cosmos, allowing astronomers to decode its secrets, measure its vastness, and explore its wonders.
The Dogon people, residing in the central plateau region of Mali, possess an extraordinary connection to astronomy that has baffled researchers and intrigued enthusiasts. Let’s delve into their cosmic knowledge:
Sirius System: The Dogon are believed to be descendants of ancient Egypt and have preserved their culture over centuries. Their astronomical wisdom dates back to 3200 BC, long before Western scientists discovered it in 1862. The Dogon’s remarkable insight revolves around the Sirius system, specifically the Sirius A star, which is the brightest in Earth’s night sky. According to their oral tradition, Sirius A has a dimmer companion called Sirius B, which orbits around it in an elliptical path.
The Dogon also recount encounters with extraterrestrial beings from the Sirius system known as Nommos. These amphibious entities, resembling mermaids and mermen, shared knowledge about the Sirius system and Earth’s solar system. They revealed that Jupiter has four major moons, Saturn has rings, and all planets orbit around the sun.
Sigui Celebration: To commemorate Sirius A’s fifty-year elliptical orbit around Sirius B, the Dogon hold the Sigui Celebration every sixty years. This unique tradition aims to renew the Earth. Although it remains unclear why they celebrate every sixty years instead of fifty, the next Sigui celebration is anticipated in 20271.
Solar System Insights: The Dogon’s knowledge extends beyond Sirius. Legends suggest that the Nommos also informed them about our solar system. Remarkably, they knew about Saturn’s rings and the fact that Jupiter has four major moons—discoveries that Westerners made only after Galileo invented the telescope.
Sirius at the Heart: At the core of Dogon beliefs lies Sirius, around which they perceive various stars and planets to orbit. Their cosmic understanding blends astronomy with a touch of astrology, making their worldview truly captivating.
Origins and Curiosity: The Dogon’s awareness extends to our location within the Milky Way Galaxy. They even grasped the nature of Sirius B, a dense and dying star, long before Western science caught up.
Intriguingly, the Dogon’s cosmic insights challenge conventional narratives and invite us to ponder the mysteries of the universe