The Georgia Southern University Planetarium recently presented "Lamps of Atlantis," a stellar journey through mythology, science, and ancient civilizations. This immersive show delved into the enduring mystery of the lost continent of Atlantis while exploring ancient astronomy and its connections to history and culture.
"We chose this show because we hadn't played it in a couple of years," explained Dillon Marcy, Planetarium & Astronomy Laboratory Coordinator. "Atlantis is always a big talking point, from conspiracy theories to historical debates. It's fascinating to revisit a story that combines such rich mythology with science."
The show took audiences through the theories surrounding Atlantis, emphasizing its plausible connection to the Minoan civilization, which thrived in the Mediterranean until a volcanic eruption devastated its homeland.
At its core, "Lamps of Atlantis" was an intersection of science, mythology, and storytelling. The production used ancient astronomical tools—like star globes and charts—to interpret how ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Minoans, and Greeks viewed the heavens.
"The ancients used astronomy not only for navigation but also as a means of storytelling and scientific exploration," Marcy shared. "This show highlighted how advanced these civilizations were, even without modern technology."
Interestingly, ancient star maps have helped modern scientists uncover celestial events like supernovas. The meticulous star charts of these ancient societies offer insights into how they saw and understood the universe, and they often reveal details that remain astonishing today.
Central to the show's narrative was the legend of Atlantis, first described by the Greek philosopher Plato. While Plato's tale may have been a rhetorical device highlighting Athens' virtues, the myth has persisted as one of history's great mysteries.
"The Atlantis story may have originated to make Athens look good, but the timing aligns almost perfectly with the volcanic eruption that wiped out the Minoan civilization," Marcy noted. "Atlantis was likely not the grand, utopian city many imagine, but rather a small, advanced civilization whose tragic end became legendary."
A highlight of the production was its exploration of how different cultures interpreted the night sky. "In Western traditions, much of our understanding comes from Greek interpretations," said Marcy. "But other cultures, like the Aboriginal Australians, focused on the clouds and the Milky Way, seeing a giant emu, while the Chinese used astronomy for agricultural planning. These diverse perspectives enrich our understanding of humanity's relationship with the stars."
One constellation featured prominently in the show was Taurus, the bull. "Taurus appears in mythologies across the globe, from the Greeks to the Egyptians. It's one of those constellations that has always been there, carrying countless stories across time," Marcy shared.
"Lamps of Atlantis" also bridged ancient and modern astronomy. By studying ancient star charts, astronomers can track changes in the sky over thousands of years.
"We've observed stars shifting positions, some disappearing, and others appearing. Ancient charts sometimes included stars we couldn't explain, which we now know were supernovas," Marcy explained. "These connections help us appreciate how the ancients understood the cosmos and how their knowledge continues to inform modern science."
Terry Oakland's narration made the production's storytelling engaging and evocative. "She does a great job of matching the show's tone," Marcy remarked. Her narration enhanced the viewer's journey through the legends and science behind Atlantis, making the experience immersive and thought-provoking.
Ultimately, "Lamps of Atlantis" was a testament to human curiosity and our enduring fascination with the unknown. Whether it was the search for a lost continent or the ancient civilizations' profound relationship with the stars, the show invited audiences to reflect on the legacy of the past and its influence on our understanding of the universe. As Marcy said, "This show reminds us that the ancients were far more advanced than we often give them credit for. Their legacy is written in the stars."
The Georgia Southern Planetarium is located in the Math & Physics Building on the Statesboro campus. Upcoming public shows include an afternoon showing of 'The Edge' on Thursday, February 27 (tickets available now here), as well as Galileo and a constellation presentation on the evenings of March 27 & 28 (tickets available on March 17th).
For more information, visit the planetarium website here.
