Inuit astronomy facts for kids

Tukturjuit, meaning the “caribou". Known as the Big Dipper in western astronomy.

Inuit astronomy is all about how the Inuit people understand the sky. They call the sky Qilak. It's not just space; it's also seen as a home for the spirits of people who have passed away.

The Inuit live in the very cold Arctic and subarctic regions. This includes parts of Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and northern Siberia. Because of the harsh weather, hunting and surviving are tough. The stars became super important for them. They used stars to tell time, know the seasons, and find their way, especially in the long, dark winters.

Many circumpolar peoples in the Arctic share similar beliefs. For example, the Inuit, Chukchi, and Evenks all connect their sky knowledge with their spiritual beliefs. Even with differences, they all use stars, weather, and stories to help with hunting, travel, and teaching their children.

Their way of looking at the sky is shaped by their spiritual needs and practical daily life. It's also influenced by where they live, far north. If you live above the Arctic Circle, the sky looks different. In winter, it can be dark for months (called polar night). In summer, the sun might never set (called midnight sun).

How the Far North Sky Affects Inuit Astronomy

Members of the Inuit Circumpolar Council.

Living in the Arctic Circle changes how the sun and stars appear.

Long Nights and Bright Days

From late November to mid-January, around the 69th parallel north, the Inuit don't see the sun at all. This is the polar night. Even though it's dark, clouds or blowing snow often hide the stars. Then, from mid-May for about 10 weeks, the sun never sets. This is the midnight sun. During spring, summer, and early fall, the sky is too bright to see stars. These unique conditions greatly shaped how the Inuit relate to the sun and stars.

Stars Near the Horizon

Because of the far northern location, some stars are never seen. Stars that are visible, especially near the horizon, can look wobbly. This is due to atmospheric refraction caused by the cold air. The way these stars look changes throughout the day. During the dark winter days without sunrise, stars helped people know when to wake up. They signaled when children and hunters should start their day.

The sun's appearance is also affected by refraction. This is especially true when it first returns after the long, dark winter. This was a very anxious time for the Inuit. They followed strict rules to make sure the sun came back quickly and fully. The sun was not considered truly back until it reached a certain height. This height was about the width of a mitten held at arm's length. Only then would they take longer dog-team trips. They would also start getting ready to move to spring camps.

Telling Time with the Sky

The Inuit use the moon to keep track of the year. They count thirteen "moon months." Each month is named after something that happens predictably in nature. This is usually related to animal behavior. For example, one month is called "the nesting of eider ducks." Another is called "the birth of seal pups." The moon month during the polar night is called tauvijjuaq, meaning "the great darkness."

The winter solstice was very important to them. This is the darkest part of winter, but it also marks when the light starts to return. The first time Aagjuuk appears is around mid-December. This star signals the arrival of the winter solstice across the Arctic. For some groups, this was also a time for a midwinter celebration.

Some groups of stars only appear during certain seasons. This helps mark the passage of time. For instance, Ullakut (Orion) and Sakiattiak (Taurus) are only seen in winter. Throughout winter, many stars in Tukturjuit (Big Dipper) were used like clock hands. They helped keep track of time during the night. They also acted as calendar stars to figure out the date. Aagjuuk (Aquila) and Kingulliq (Lyra) start to appear near the end of winter. This signals that more light will soon return to the region.

Sky and Spirit: Inuit Beliefs

Inuit tradition connects the Earth and sky very closely. They see the Earth as a large flat disk with cliffs at its edges. The sky surrounds it. The sky itself has layers, sometimes four or five. Each layer is its own world. These layers are special lands for the spirits of the dead.

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is very important. It's believed to be where spirits of people who died from blood loss, murder, or childbirth live. Legends also warn Inuit against doing wrong things. They tell stories of people turning into stars after breaking rules.

Inuit Constellations and Stars

The Inuit have their own names for many constellations, groups of stars (called asterisms), and individual stars. Inuit astronomy names thirty-three single stars, two star clusters, and one nebula. These stars are part of 16 or 17 asterisms. Seven of these stand alone with their own names.

Interestingly, the star Polaris, or the North Star, is not a major one for the Inuit. This might be because it's too high in the sky at northern latitudes to be useful for finding direction. They call it Nuutuittuq, which means "never moves." Only the southernmost Inuit use it for navigation.

Naming the Stars

Stars are named in two main ways. Some are named after people or animals. Others are named based on what they look like. This could be their color, how far apart they are, or how they move across the sky. Many stars have two names: an everyday name and a "literary" name. The literary name is used when stars are part of a myth or story.

The stars never form the shape of an animal or person together. This is because of the belief that each star was once a living being on Earth. Objects that aren't alive, like a soapstone "lamp-stand" or "collar-bones," are represented by groups of stars.

Star Stories and Legends

The names of the stars are remembered through myths and legends. These stories explain how things came to be. They also teach about social rules, order, food, fairness, and new beginnings. These tales help people remember where stars are and how they relate to each other. This was vital for using stars to navigate or tell time.

*Asterisks mark names of main stars, not full constellations or asterisms.