Matariki - Eyes of God (Maori)
Constellation: Tau & M45
Source: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/maori/matariki-maori-new-year
Finder Chart:
Date: 4/8/21 9:09 PM Local Time
Location: Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus near Crowell, TX
Seeing: Good
Transparency: Good
Instrument Used: 8x50 Binoculars
Notes/Description: None
Sketch
Questions
1. Does the selected and sketched pattern resemble any known asterism or official constellation that we use today? If so, which one(s)?
It is M45.
2. Did the culture in this section have a similar mythology (e.g. dogs, hunter, boat, etc.)?
Probably not. The Eyes of God seems pretty like a pretty specific application to a local custom.
3. If yes, describe any material differences in either the figure's star pattern as imagined by the culture, and / or the difference in the mythology.
No difference in the star patterns.
4. Is it likely that this star group, for this culture, may have been influenced by older or adjacent cultures? If so, whom?
No. This seems to be a very specific application of M45 to a local custom or belief.
5. If, for this culture, this group was significant for calendar, crop, or social events, describe what was involved, and how the timing or the appearance of the group was important or useful.
It sounds like this cluster has a religious significance to this culture.
