Navajo star and constellation myths, including the story of the creation of stars, will be explored during a live astronomy show at Fiske Planetarium on the campus of the University of Colorado at Boulder.
John Stocke, a CU-Boulder professor of astrophysical and planetary sciences, will present "Navajo Skies" at Fiske Planetarium on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
The talk, based in part on Stocke's interviews with two Navajo medicine men many years ago, includes excerpts from taped conversations with the men and delves into the Navajo relationship between the cycle of life and the rhythm of the heavens.
"It's an interesting look at a culture that isn't too far from here," he said.
Stocke interviewed the medicine men at Gates Planetarium in Denver during the late 1970s as part of a research project he undertook while teaching at the Navajo Community College in Tsaile, Ariz.
While Stocke's current research focuses on the observation of distant objects, he believes people need to connect with the stars and the sky in other ways too.
"Many people in the Western world today are disconnected from the environment," Stocke said. "Because of their circumstances - living in remote areas - many native people are still much more connected to the environment, including the sky. Looking at these traditions allows us a different perspective."
Fiske Planetarium's monthly live shows give the audience a chance to talk to numerous experts from CU-Boulder.
Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Fiske Planetarium is located at Regent Drive and Kittredge Loop Drive on the CU-Boulder campus.
For more information on upcoming shows or other programs call (303) 492-5001 or visit the planetarium's Web site at .