1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910300381303321

Autore

Bordeleau André G

Titolo

Flags of the Night Sky : When Astronomy Meets National Pride / / by André G. Bordeleau

Pubbl/distr/stampa

New York, NY : , : Springer New York : , : Imprint : Springer, , 2014

ISBN

1-4614-0929-2

Edizione

[1st ed. 2014.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (356 p.)

Disciplina

929.9

929.92

Soggetti

Astronomy

Astrophysics

Human geography

Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology

Popular Science in Astronomy

Human Geography

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di contenuto

Federative Republic of Brazil: Constellations in the Breeze -- Crux: Beacon of the Southern Hemisphere -- Northern Hemisphere: The Empty Sky -- Sun-bearing Flags: Here Comes the Sun -- Moon-bearing Flags: Bright side of the Moon -- Starry Flags: Here’s Stars in Your Eyes—Northern Hemisphere -- Starry Flags: Here’s Stars in Your Eyes—Southern Hemisphere -- Glossary: Vexillology -- Glossary: Astronomy.

Sommario/riassunto

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.