Flags of the Night Sky When Astronomy Meets National Pride

Many national flags display astronomical features–Sun, Moon, stars–but are they really based on existing astronomical objects? The United States flag sports 50 stars, one for each state, however none of them are linked to real stars. Further, the lunar crescent is often shaped like the Sun being ecl...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Bordeleau, André G.
Format: eBook
Language:English
Published: New York, NY Springer New York 2014, 2014
Edition:1st ed. 2014
Subjects:
Online Access:
Collection: Springer eBooks 2005- - Collection details see MPG.ReNa
Description
Summary:Many national flags display astronomical features–Sun, Moon, stars–but are they really based on existing astronomical objects? The United States flag sports 50 stars, one for each state, however none of them are linked to real stars. Further, the lunar crescent is often shaped like the Sun being eclipsed by the Moon. At times, stars are seen right next to the crescent, where the darkened disc of the moon should be! This book will present true astronomical objects and patterns highlighted on national flags and link informative capsules about these objects to the political reasons why they were chosen to adorn such an important symbol
Physical Description:XVII, 341 p. 353 illus., 347 illus. in color online resource
ISBN:9781461409298