Consider this, would you believe me when I tell each and every one of you that your ancestors were somewhat of a stargazer?
They had to be! They had to know how to read the heavens in order to survive. The moment of the stars foretold the seasons and in turn, the farmers knew exactly when to sow or harvest their crops. Hunter-gathers looked up at the night skies to determine the period large herds of animals mass-migrated to greener pastures. Seafarers and traders used the starts to navigate the vast oceans to find new lands of opportunity. The incorporation of astronomy and religion had given rise to popular ancient myths and cultures. some of which have survived till this day and is being actively practiced. Humans are known to have reasonably good pattern recognition skills. Therefore, it is this constant pattern in the sky that ensured our survival as a species.
Some of you may ask, "Since we are in the technological age today, is astronomy or space exploration still relevant?"
Of course it is! On a greater level, some of the most significant technologies that benefit humankind were either inadvertently or deliberately brought about through the study of astronomy and decades of space exploration; water treatment technology, improved aviation safety, satellite TV, modern insulation, CAT scanners, super conductors, GPS, and many more.
On a personal level, astronomy can be enjoyable and enriching. The confounding, yet ecstatic moment when you realise that what you have been seeing all your life turns out to be something else that is entirely different is certainly addictive. To a certain degree, astronomy also helps lessen the stress in the rapid lifestyle that we are leading in Singapore. When you peer deep into the clear night sky alone and wonder about the vastness of Space, your troubles suddenly seem immeasurably smaller for just a brief moment, and sometimes that moment is all you need.
Is the ancient science of astronomy still important today? I shall leave that to you to decide.
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