Throughout ancient history, the luminaries of astronomy often shine with the brilliance of distant stars. Among these celestial scholars, the name of Aglaonice emerges as a beacon of light. She challenged the historical shadow that often veils the contributions of women in ancient science.
Aglaonice, a Greek astronomer from the 2nd century BCE, is a testament to the tenacity of ancient women who ventured into the cosmos, seeking knowledge and understanding.
She was a Greek astronomer and thaumaturge. Thaumaturgy is the purported capability of a magician to work magic or other paranormal events or a saint to perform miracles. Thaumaturge translates into English as wonderworking.
A practitioner of thaumaturgy is a “thaumaturge,” “thaumaturgist,” “thaumaturgus,” “miracle worker,” or “wonderworker.” A ‘saint’ is defined as having an exceptional degree of holiness, enlightenment, likeness, or closeness to God and may be claimed to have performed miracles. These miracles are generally defined as exceptional events or deeds not within the normative means of natural or human power. This in contrast to being of some supernatural or preternatural manner. The definition of a ‘miracle,’ like the definition of a ‘saint,’ will vary among separate religions, sects, and schools.
Aglaonice, also known as Aganice of Thessaly, is cited as the first female astronomer in ancient Greece. The writings of Plutarch and Apollonius of Rhodes refer to her as the daughter of King Hegetor of Thessaly or Hegemon. Her ability to make the moon disappear from the sky means she could predict the time and general area where a lunar eclipse would occur.
Lunar eclipses have been observed and recorded for centuries, and they continue to captivate sky watchers around the world. Beyond their astronomical significance, lunar eclipses have also played cultural and symbolic roles in various societies throughout history.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to be cast upon the Moon. This celestial alignment results in a temporary dimming or darkening of the lunar surface, creating a visually striking astronomical event. Unlike a solar eclipse, which involves the Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun, a lunar eclipse is visible from anywhere on the nighttime side of the Earth where the Moon is above the horizon.
Many female astrologers, often regarded as sorcerers, were associated with Aglaonice. They were known as the “Witches of Thessaly” and were active from the 1st to 3rd centuries BC. The word “Witch” is an epithet given to them by later authors, although it is likely that Aglaonice was regarded as a sorceress by her contemporaries.
In Plato’s Gorgias (circa 380 BCE), Socrates speaks of “the Thessalian enchantresses, who, as they say, bring down the moon from heaven at the risk of their perdition.” Plutarch wrote that she was “thoroughly acquainted with the periods of the full moon when it is subject to eclipse, and, knowing beforehand the time when the moon was due to be overtaken by the earth’s shadow, imposed upon the women, and made them all believe that she was drawing down the moon.” Aglaonice is the name of one of the craters of the planet Venus.
The name “Aglaonice” is a character in the Jean Cocteau movie Orpheus, where she is a friend of Eurydice and leader of the “League of Women.” Aglaonice is a featured figure in Judy Chicago’s installation piece. A Greek proverb refers to Aglaonice’s alleged boasting: “Yes, as the moon obeys Aglaonice.”
She can be regarded as one of the early women in astronomy because she had mastered the art of predicting eclipses. This ability to forecast a lunar eclipse would be possible for anyone of that time who was familiar with the full moon’s periods and eclipses’ cycles. The superstitions of the time allowed a person with such knowledge to control people through their fear of the unknown.
The Hellenistic expansion and the intellectual awakening that followed the Classical period marked Aglaonice’s era. Against societal norms that restricted women’s access to education and scientific pursuits in those days, Aglaonice’s journey into astronomy became all the more remarkable. Little is known about her early life, but her emergence as a prominent figure in the field speaks volumes about her passion and dedication to studying the heavens.
While the details of her methods are lost to time, it is evident that she possessed a keen observational acumen and likely engaged in mathematical calculations to forecast these celestial events. With their predictable patterns and recurring cycles, lunar eclipses provided a canvas upon which Aglaonice could display her astronomical prowess.
With its rich tapestry of myth and science, the ancient Greek world often intertwined astronomy with divine narratives. Aglaonice’s work was situated within this cultural context. Her ability to predict lunar eclipses might have been perceived as mystical foresight. When understood and predicted, the celestial dance of the moon and the sun could be a source of great awe and reverence.
Aglaonice’s contributions to astronomy also shed light on the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry in the ancient world. She was part of a community of scholars who shared knowledge and observations, engaging in dialogues that fueled intellectual curiosity. While her name may be one of the few that survived the passage of time, Aglaonice was likely part of a broader network of thinkers who collectively expanded the frontiers of ancient astronomy.
As with many historical figures, legend and myth are intertwined with Aglaonice’s story. The accounts suggesting that she possessed the power to draw down the moon from the sky, added the mystical layer to her persona. The tales underscore the impact Aglaonice had on the collective imagination of her contemporaries.
Aglaonice is slowly being resurrected from the obscurity of historical oversight as historians and scholars delve into the remnants of ancient records in the modern era. Pursuing knowledge has no limits, and she serves as a reminder. Even in antiquity, women such as Aglaonice sought to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.
Aglaonice’s legacy echoes through the corridors of time, inviting us to reflect on the enduring spirit of inquiry that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. Her contributions to predicting lunar eclipses may be modest by today’s scientific standards. In the context of her era however, they represented a pioneering venture into the uncharted territories of the night sky.
Aglaonice, the ancient astronomer, invites us to look beyond the stars and glimpse the indomitable light that emanates from the minds of those who dared to explore the cosmos.
Aglaonice is now a welcome addition to our ECG Hall of Fame Library.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Scientific Women. History of Scientific Women. Aglaonice