Ethnoastronomy In Maritime Activities: An Analysis

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the relationship between ethnoastronomy with maritime activities. Ethnoastronomy here refers to phenomenon like solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, and the lunar cycles, while maritime activity refers to the phenomenon of the tides, the waves, the wind, a bright and a dark moon, and so on. The question is, is it true that astronomical phenomenon causes changes to maritime activities? Does it also affect ocean life which should be taken into account by fishermen? To answer both of these questions, this study will only highlight studies and previous works related to the connection between astronomical phenomenon with maritime activity. Finally, this paper will conclude that astronomical phenomenon like solar eclipses, lunar eclipses and lunar cycles do cause changes to maritime activities such as tides, wave conditions, the wind, the light and dark moon and so on. Indirectly, all these factors affect ocean life and should be considered by fishermen, especially in order to firstly, determine their revenue and secondly, to ensure their own safety.