2020at the County Library

Outstanding Wizarding Levels

Astronomy A Brief Compilation of Magic and Knowledge Surrounding

Astronomical Observations and the Contributions of Celestina

Arranged for O.W.L. Camp MMXX with

Introduction

Celestina Cresswell was born in the late 1500s. A naturally quick study with magical inclinations, she rapidly became an astute astronomer, as well as skilled in charms and arithmancy. She was very bold and energetic, always eager to go exploring. As a young witch she loved to travel and interact with all folk, both Magical and Muggle.

Cresswell made many contributions to the Muggle field of astronomy, increasing clarification for many groundbreaking theories and celestial mechanics, including the four largest moons orbiting Jupiter and the surface of Venus. Her muggle friends included Galileo Galilei, Maria Cunitz, Sophia and Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, and has been rumored to have taught Isaac Newton. Though not a direct part of today’s discourse, astronomically-inclined muggles have been known to be steady confidants and friends of wizards, and their achievements are interesting in their own right.

Celestina did make an outstanding breakthrough with apparition that has risen

in academic notice throughout the years. Through diligence and unwavering bravery, Cresswell pioneered many crucial techniques. She studied astronomy, physics and the properties of magic — which aren’t unlike the properties of space-time. Hercontributions to magic and long distance spell-casting are quite remarkable. Being able to cast long range spells safely allowed her to explore the cosmos in a much more personal way: interplanetary apparition.

A very complex maneuver, apparition is already challenging, as most witches and wizards can’t apparate much further than several miles without splinching. However, her in-depth study of natural and magical laws helped her find a way to use these properties to her advantage. Combining her talents in charms, astronomy and physics, she set the groundwork for how we understand the solar system and universe today — not to mention improving our navigation and safety spells.

We hope the story of Celestina Cresswell can be told to rising witches and wizards so we can help train a new generation of explorers that will further our knowledge of the universe and magical techniques.

Celestina Cresswell

An example of an Armillary Sphere, one of the tools Celestina Cresswell mastered in her studies.

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Activity 1: Star Wheels

All cultures of the world have looked to the stars for orientation, both in a physical and metaphysical sense. Constellations serve as the characters in many lore tales, spanning nearly every population on every continent. Muggles rely heavily on stars for guiding themselves and for storytelling, and the wizarding world has developed even more in depth use of stars.

Much like a wand, the stars can act as a channeling force in numerous spells. Celestina Cresswell pioneered a method of using the stars and their orientation to create images in the sky and orient herself in space-time. Knowing what the sky should look like on a specific time and date, such as March 12 at midnight, would allow Cresswell to figure out exactly where she was and when it was. Several spells can be used to achieve this, as well as the use of certain muggle instruments.

This Star Wheel was created by Cresswell to conserve her energy during her cosmic travels. It is very analog and requires very little to no magic to utilize. It is a combination of

an Armillary Sphere (the three dimensional version, seen on page 2) and a Volvelle chart

(a flat sliding chart, see above). This tool is called a Planisphere.

The principles of orientation using time – or temporal orientation – is a common practice of making inter-active sliding paper reference materials.

A Planisphere created by esteemed Astronomer-Wizard Dominic Ford, who is known in both muggle and wizarding communities.

One of the oldest muggle telescopes – the Keplerian.

People gather and observe the stars. An example of an Armillary Sphere can be seen in the picture.

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Planisphere Directions

Materials

• Scissors• Glue, tape or a stapler• Cardstock or thick paper, and a printed template

Instructions

Step 1: Cut out the planisphere holder around the dark, outer edges. Also cut out the grey oval in the middle of the holder.

Step 2: Fold the holder in half, so the outside edges line up and the point of the bottom half is in the middle of the window of the upper half. Staple or tape the sides together to create a pocket with the template. View the lecture video for deeper instructions.

Step 3: Cut out the constellation star wheel around the dark, outer edge.

Step 4: Place the constellation star wheel in the pocket of the planisphere holder. Rotate the wheel so the current date on the edge of the star wheel lines up with the current time on the edge of the holder. The stars and constellations visible through the window are the ones you will be able to see at that date and time, just be sure to line up the compass directions with the correct horizon.

Step 5: Try taking your planisphere outside on a clear night and using it to find the real constellations! An important step: learning how to orient and use the wheel is critical, be sure you line up the window directions with the proper horizon and follow the instructions printed on the holder.

Step 6: Once you’ve created your planisphere and feel comfortable using it, cut out the blank version of the star wheel. Cresswell pioneered the Star Mark Spell that allows a witch or wizard to bend the light coming from stars to create a symbol in the sky. To do this, you must have the pattern in mind. Use this blank wheel to draw and create your own constellation you can use for the spell.

Step 7: Once you know what stars you are using and can visualize the pattern, point your wand into the sky where you wish the mark to appear, and say clearly:

sumbolus adstrumwhile moving your wand up, pause, down, and up diagonally to the left.

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Credit: In-The-Sky.org

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Constellation Star Wheel

Credit: In-The-Sky.org

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Blank Star Wheel

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Activity 2: Solar System Scale Distances

The Solar System has been studied for thousands of years, but only relatively recently have we realized just how vast it truly is. Celestina’s work with both Muggle and Magical astronomers began uncovering the mechanics of our home planetary system and characterizing the objects within it, beyond just the stars we see at night.

Through studying the planets that are visible at night, Celestina worked on a model of the solar system that portrayed the planets in their correct order and approximate distances from one another. Pictured to the right is a popular model of the time, devised by Kepler with Cresswell’s aid. Although three-dimensional maps are pretty, Celestina preferred flat and two-dimensional maps. An accurate map is one of the most essential pieces for long range apparition.

This activity will provide a foldable map of the distance between the astral bodies in our own solar system.

Depiction of the relative magnitude of the planets within our solar system.

Three dimensional model of the planets within our solar system.

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Scale Solar System Map Directions

Materials

• A large, thin strip of paper measuring 9 cm x 60 cm (3 inch x 24 inch) • A writing tool of your choosing

Instructions

Using a long piece of parchment it is easy to replicate this model and have a visualization of the layout of the Solar System. This parchment must be around 9 centimeters (several inches) wide and at least 6/10 s of a meter (around two feet).

Step 1: On one edge, the close edge, inscribe Sun in small letters. Step 2: On the opposite, far edge inscribe Pluto.

While it is always illuminating to guess the placement of astral bodies, we will dive right into their correct placement here, to place these astral bodies, you will match up two of the objects, fold the parchment, and write the new object on the crease.

Step 3: First fold: Pluto to Sun, mark the crease as Uranus Step 4: Second fold: Pluto to Uranus, mark as Neptune Step 5: Third fold: Sun to Uranus, mark as Saturn Step 6: Fourth fold: Sun to Saturn, mark as Jupiter Step 7: Fifth fold: Sun to Jupiter, mark this as the Asteroid Belt, as there are no planets here, but there are still astral bodies here in the form of an asteroid belt. Step 8: Sixth fold: Sun to Asteroid Belt, mark as Mars Step 9: Seventh fold: Sun to Mars, mark as Venus

Now the folding portion is over, but there are still two planets absent.

Step 10: Mercury fits between the Sun and Venus. Step 11: Finally, our home planet, Earth, fits between Venus and Mars. This is the conclusion of the solar system map. Step 12: Illustrate the planets after spacing them to help you visualize the solar system in its entirety.

Now you have a complete Solar System map, properly scaled! Good luck in your travels, young wizard!

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Activity 3: Exoplanet Exploration

Exoplanets are an exciting new topic for exploration. Many people in the magical community don’t consider them worth spending time on, but Muggles have executed excellent research on exoplanets and discovered intriguing things. Celestina took up this study as well when she realized the potential for exploration beyond what the Muggles were doing, aided by her magical skills. Muggles have found over 4,000 exoplanets, and by combining astronomy and magic Celestina was able to learn much more about these planets, and even apparate to some of them. In order for her to do that, Celestina had to find a way to convert the astronomical data she and the Muggles had collected into something that would help her apparate safely.

One of the techniques to do this uses art as a means to accurately visualize the apparition destination. The more accurate the data and it’s artistic rendering, the more likely the apparition will go smoothly. The key to

having a safe and successful apparition is always to be able to picture the place distinctly in your mind. To the left, Cresswell is pictured with her Armillary sphere, a tool she used to find the positions of exoplanets.

.

Exoplanets are any planets outside of our home solar system. The exoplanets listed in the activity are just a few of the 4,000 that Muggle and magical communities alike have discovered. The planets are named by the survey (i.e. telescope) that discovered them, the number of discoveries for that survey, and a letter denoting its position in the planetary system. Most exoplanets are discovered by studying the central star and looking for any changes in the light it’s emitting that might have been caused by a planet orbiting in front of it.

Cresswell pictured with her Armillary sphere, a tool she usedto find the positions of exoplanets.

A depiction of the exoplanets in the TRAPPIST-1 system.

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Exoplanet Exploration: Artistic Table and Instructions

Materials

• Canvas • Drawing and painting supplies• Reference tables (if desired)

Instructions

To practice visualizing apparition destinations, we will use artistic elements to create alien landscapes. Use circles to designate craters, blobs to show either a lake of some kind or a volcano, straight lines showing tectonic activity, squiggly lines show wind or water erosion (rivers), and color to represent hard to see characteristics like elevation or surface composition. With all these elements in place the planet’s history and environment is better understood.

Using these techniques, draw your own planetary surface with several of these features, just as Celestina would visualize each of the planets she was going to visit before apparating. For more of a challenge (4th year students and above), instead of creating your own imaginary landscape, pick an existing exoplanet from the chart below and try creating a picture using only the data provided to infer what the surface may be like.

Artistic Element Planetary Feature Example on Planet

Circle Crater, impact sites

Example image is from Mars. Taken by NASA/JPL.

Blob Lake, lava flows, volcano

Example is from Olympus Mons on Mars. Taken by NASA/JPL.

Straight line Tectonic activity (tectonic plates moving)

Example is from Europa, a moon of Jupiter. Taken by NASA/JPL.

Squiggly Line Flowing liquid, river, wind/liquid erosion.

Example is the Ancient Rivers of Mars. Taken by NASA/JPL.

Color Elevation, surface composition, gravity, temperature, true color, etc.

Example is Venus colored by elevation map. Taken by NASA/JPL.

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Exoplanet Exploration: Table of Exoplanets

zExoplanet Mass Radius Orbital Radius

(Distance from Star)

Planet Type

Average Surface Temperature

Notes

Kepler-7b .441 Jupiters (1.85x1027

lbs)

1.62 x Jupiter

(70,373.9 mi)

.06 AU (5.6x106 mi)

Gas giant 1,500° - 1,800° F With about the same density of Styrofoam, Kepler-7b could float in a giant bathtub. The planet is tidally locked—one side is always light and the other is always dark.

Kepler-452b 3.29 Earths (4.33x1025

lbs)

1.63 x Earth

(6,452.84 mi)

1.05 AU (9.76x107 mi)

Super Earth

75° F Orbits in its star’s habitable zone.

Wasp-12b 1.465 Jupiters (6.13x1027

lbs)

1.937 x Jupiter

0.0232 AU (2.16x106 mi)

Gas Giant 4,000° F Orbits so close to its star, the atmosphere is slowly being stripped away. The gravity of the star also pulls the planet into an egg shape.

Kepler-22b 36 Earths (4.74x1026

lbs)

2.38 x Earth

(9,421.94 mi)

.849 AU (7.89x107 mi)

Super Earth

(covered in ocean or gaseous)

60° F Has an axial tilt of 90 de-grees, meaning it orbits on its side. May be covered in a habitable ocean.

Trappist-1e .62 Earths (8.17x1024

lbs)

.918 x Earth

(3,634.18 mi)

.028 AU (2.60x106 mi)

Terrestrial −9° F Orbits in habitable zone of its star. There are 6 other planets in the system.

Kepler-16b 0.333 Jupiters (1.39x1027

lbs)

0.754 x Jupiter

0.7048 AU (6.55x107 mi)

Gaseous, but partly composed

of rock

−121° F Part of a binary star system, so there would be two sunsets from the surface.

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Activity 4: Sundials

Sundials are an ancient method for telling time, first used around 3000-5000 years ago. Sundials and other similar objects are often inherently magical, as they are connected to the natural energy flow –thus the magic– of the universe. For example, Muggles have long believed that Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England has magical properties. It does indeed, just in ways that Muggles are oblivious to, per usual. The circles of standing stones were very important for many reasons, but most useful as an astronomical tool. The configuration of the stones allowed the site to be used to predict celestial events, particularly the solstices and equinoxes, working to track the sun. Celestina used similar technology to come up with a sundial template that’s simple and easy to use – crucial for any explorer. By setting up a sundial you will be able to have precise measurements and be aware of any upcoming celestial or temporal events.

A sundial’s primary job is measuring the sun’s position. Because this relates to the time of day, it also measures the time. However, depending on your position on the planet’s surface, many things change. The length of day and the angle of the sun are variable

to your location, and affect how to read a sundial. Cresswell stated this to be “the best predictor of time ever made”.

Magic is closely related to the natural world, and Sundials were crucial to wizarding kind far before muggles adopted them. Many ancient sites, such as earthworks, standing stones, and other sites like pyramids rely on the placement of the sun in space, and this property allows magic to be derived from it.

These ancient sites were stationary, as moving them meant it would need to be re-calibrated. For example, changing things like what surface a sundial sits on or how it is facing the sun, will change how time is displayed on the sundial. This is common in many magical artifacts, including brooms, cauldrons, and even wands themselves! Each of these items are created for a specific environment and if you change the environment, how they work will change as well. They need diligent care, such as testing your wand to ensure spells are cast correctly. There are also different models that require different calibration, but will provide you with novel information. For example, many people have created different versions of the sundial that have different strengths. You can explore this variety and find one that is easiest for you to use and read.

A unique sundial at the Sidi Okba Mosque in Tunisia.

A Greek concave sundial from the 3rd century B.C.

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Sundial Directions and Calibration

Materials

• Template• Glue stick• Scissors• Drinking straw (or a something similar)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut out the two connected circles (dial faces) around the dark, outer edge.

Step 2: Fold the cut out piece in half, along the dotted line. Glue the backside of the north face to the backside of the south face so you have one circle with lines on both sides, and a small stand at the bottom.

Step 3: Use the latitude strip guide to mark the bottom of your straw, then the latitude line (40° North). Depending on where you are located on Earth, the latitude line may change. Utah is closest to the 40° North latitude line, so that is how we know to use the 40° marking. If you are confused, please watch the video lecture as a guide and for more information.

Step 4: Cut an x at the center hole of the dial and insert the straw so the south side is facing the bottom of the straw and the template is lined up with the latitude line you marked. You may need to tape the straw in place to keep it at the proper latitude line.

This completes the build of the sundial, follow the calibration steps to use it!

Instructions to Calibrate: Like any instrument or spell, these sundials require a sort of orientation and calibration to their current placement in space time. There are three major steps for setting up in any time or location:

Step 1: Find true north. You can find Polaris, use landmarks, or an orienting spell. Orient the top of the straw, known as a gnomon on a sundial, to point towards true north. Step 2: Ensure the sundial face is at the correct latitude. The latitude strip is marked in numbers, these correlate to the latitude of your position off the equator. The Clark Planetarium is located at 40° 46’ 1.79’’ N (Latitude) and -111° 54’ 6.59’’ W (Longitude), so set the sundial to 40° North. Step 3: Where the shadow falls is the time of day. Be sure you read off the proper sundial face: North for spring and summer, South for fall and winter.

NOTE: The time may be off by a few minutes, this has to do with how muggles divide their time zones, follow the extension activity in the worksheet to understand why.

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Sundial Orientation Worksheet

To recap, there are 3 steps to Orientation:

1. Finding True North.2. Choosing the proper latitude number.3. Choosing the correct sundial face.

Please follow through this worksheet to learn about how to work your sundial. Fill in blanks and circle where indicated.

Results

Be sure to write all calculations for Orientation, fill in the blanks:

The season is _________ so I will use the North Face/South Face (circle one). The hemisphere is _________ and my latitude is __________ so I will put my latitude marker on ____________.

True North is towards _____________ (perhaps put a landmark here) and I know this because I ____________________________________________. (did you find Polaris? Use a Compass? Another Method?).

Next write your measurements:

Mark the current time of a Muggle Clock here: ______________

Mark the time of your Magic Sundial here: ______________

It is curious how the sundial time does not quite align with the muggle time. This is an issue of how the muggles devise their time zones. A magic sundial will give the true position of the sun for the hour, can you figure out why Muggles would want a fixed time across a zone instead of a varied time? Consider the fact that for every degree from the center of the time zone, there is a four minute difference from the sundial time.

Explain a reason for this difference: _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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Sundial Templates

Used by permission of The University of Texas McDonald Observatory.

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60

5055

45

40

35

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25

20

9

7

3

4

58

4

3

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S ta r D at e / U n i v e r S o t e a c h e r G U i D e 19

11

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North FaceSpring/Summer

E W

WE

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South FaceFall/Winter

50

55

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Bottom

dial Face teMPlate

20.00

15.00

10.00

5.00

0.00

-5.00

-10.00

-15.00

Jan Feb mar Apr may Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

min

utes

Correction for the “Equation of Time”

Finished Sundial

latitude striP

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AppendixA Brief Compilation of Magic and Knowledge Surrounding Astronomical

Observations and the Contributions of Celestina Cresswell

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Here you will find further information on topics we have discussed in the packet, as well as the course lectures.

Apparition: A magical technique that transports a witch or wizard from one location to another. Performed by turning on the spot and focusing intently on the destination you wish to travel.

Armillary Sphere: An astronomical device composed of several metal rings or spheres attached to one another to show the movement of the sun, zodiac and several other sky features. It can be thought of as a 3D map and tracker for the stars. Museum display and history of a sphere: https://youtu.be/AaWuJHQL-bQ Animation showing how it works/how to use it: https://youtu.be/R3xx-aw-Kdg

Astrology: The use of stars and planets as a form of divination to understand how they influence humans and events on Earth. The prefix “astro-” denoting stars and the suffix “-ology” signifying the study of something.

Asteroid: A small, rocky or metallic body in space, usually irregularly shaped and orbiting a planet or star.

Astronomy: The science that uses physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology to study celestial objects, space and anything beyond Earth’s own atmosphere. The prefix “astro-” denoting stars and the suffix “-nomy” signifying a system of laws or knowledge of something; the arrangement.

Celestina Cresswell: The most prominent witch in the history of both astronomy and astrology, Cresswell is known for pioneering the majority of techniques taught in this text. Her birth, death and country of origin are all hotly debated today. Her reach and knowledge is not doubted, and it is evident that her influence expands through multiple fields, both Muggle and Magic.

Celestial Body: A significant gathering of matter in space, this can take the form of anything from a star to a dwarf planet to a comet.

Dominic Ford: A modern Wizard and Astronomer, Ford provided us with the Planisphere and his work may be viewed at https://in-the-sky.org/planisphere/

Exoplanets: A planet outside of our Solar System that is either rogue (just floating in space), or orbiting another star in its own system. NASA exoplanet research: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/

Fusion: More correctly known as nuclear fusion, this process takes one atom (the tiniest building blocks that make up everything) and smashes its nucleus (the center of the atom) into another atom’s nucleus. In this collision, the nuclei fuse to form one or more new atoms. This process releases a lot of energy and requires a temperature of at least 180 million degrees Fahrenheit. How fusion powers the Sun: https://youtu.be/W1ZQ4JBv3-Y Galileo Galilei: Galileo (1564-1642) was an Italian philosopher, astronomer and mathematician. He made great advances in science and is most known for his crucial improvement of telescopes and discovery of the rough topography of the moon, the four largest moons of Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn.

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Isaac Newton, Sir: Newton (1642-1726) was an English scholar known for establishing the mathematical field of Calculus, and for establishing the basic laws of Physics. He published multiple texts and studied the fields of math, physics, astronomy and theology. Cresswell is rumored to have taught him.

Johannes Kepler: This German astronomer, mathematician and astrologer (1571-1630) established the Laws of Planetary Motion and penned numerous books. He also did significant work on the field of optics. Kepler studied under Tycho Brahe for a time.

Maria Cunitz: A Silesian astronomer (1610-1664), Cunitz is one of the most influential and notable early astronomers. She authored Urania Propitia and continued some of Kepler’s work. She is also known for her precise and numerous calculations.

Moon: A smaller celestial body that orbits a planet due to the planet’s gravitational force. It is called a natural satellite.

Planet: A celestial body that orbits a star in a circular or oval path, also known as elliptical path.

Planisphere: A simple, flat sliding map that displays the hemisphere, latitude and what the sky should look like depending on the time of year.

Polaris: Commonly called the North Star or Pole Star, Polaris is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor. It is called the Celestial pole as it’s position typically marks True North. It is regularly used in navigation.

Satellite Imagery: An image, usually captured by muggle technology, that is taken from a piece of machinery that orbits our planet. These images can be taken with a variety of styles, such as thermal, radar or true color.

Sextant: A navigation instrument that measures the angular distance between two visible objects. It is often used in navigation by measuring the angle between a celestial object and the horizon. How it works animation: https://youtu.be/HbgPN8jvlG4 How it works in person: https://youtu.be/x3jypIZMmeo

Solar System: The group of objects with the Sun (Sol) in the middle and 8 known planets gravitationally bound to it, causing them to orbit the Sun. Other celestial bodies, such as asteroids and comets, are also a part of the system. Other groups of stars and planets are called planetary systems, as their home star or stars have a different name than ours. Solar System 101: https://youtu.be/libKVRa01L8

Latitude and Longitude: A system of an overlaid grid on the planet to mark location. Longitude lines run from pole to pole and are an angular division of the Earth marking one’s location to the East and West. Latitude lines slice the Earth in half on the equator and are spaced to show the North and South position on the planet.

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Sophia Brahe: A Danish horticulturist and noble woman, Sophie Brahe (1556-1643) was knowledgeable in astronomy, chemistry and medicine. She followed in her brother Tycho’s steps and even published a novel. She has displayed strong evidence for being magically inclined.

Star Mark Spell: Pioneered by Cresswell, this spell manipulates the brightness of stars to magically create a mark in the sky. Cast with the phrase “sumbolus adstrum” and quick wand movements.

Stonehenge: An ancient site in Wiltshire, England that was built c. 3100 B.C. by a collaboration between magical and muggle folk. While today Muggle Historians argue over its purpose, Magical folk know it was created as a calendar and celestial tool for channeling magic. Muggle History of Stonehenge: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/history- and-stories/history/

Sundials: An ancient instrument used by both muggle and magic kind, it utilizes the sun’s shadow to tell the time of day. Types of Sundials: https://www.sundials.co.uk/types

Telescope: An instrument that utilizes lenses and mirrors to view distant objects, usually in space.

Temporal Orientation: Using time to orient oneself on the planet and in space time.

True north: North according to Earth’s axis and spin in space. Instead of relying on the magnetic poles of the Earth (which shift over time), true north relies on the axial spin and is identified by the star nearest to the true north celestial pole.

Tycho Brahe: Brahe (1546-1601) was a Danish astronomer, writer and nobleman. He also dabbled in alchemy and was rumored to be magically inclined. He is noted for his precision and accuracy in observations.

Universe: The entirety of the cosmos, inclusive of everything, including all matter and energy.

Volvelle Chart: A sliding paper chart intended to organize, calculate, or display information. The earliest attribution of one is to Abu Rayhan Biruni c. 1000.

More Information: https://library.stanford.edu/blogs/special-collections- unbound/2019/12/volvelles-rotating-diagrams-some-assembly-required