The Cosmic Mandala: Celebrating Tibetan Astronomy and Cosmology

This website is based on a poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society and Astronomical Society of the Pacific in June 2008. All materials presented here are designed for educational purposes, both in formal settings (schools) and informal settings (planetariums, community groups, and the general interested public). The website is currently under construction but will be completed in time for January 2009, the beginning of the International Year of Astronomy. It is hoped that this website will help educate many about the rich astronomical history and customs of the Tibetan people.

Click on the appropriate lotus blossom below to access site material:

  Intro to Tibetan Astro Science

  Tibetan cosmological models

  Tibetan cosmology and modern science

Tibetan astronomical terms (and other helpful words)

Tibetan zodiac

Tibetan lunar houses

Tibetan "planets"

Tibetan lunar calendar

Determining the winter solstice Tibetan style

Miscellaneous Tibetan astronomical folklore and tradition

Cosmic mandalas

The connection between astronomy and astrology in Tibetan culture

Lesson plans (many also listed under topics listed above)

Links

Site created May 17, 2008. Last updated June 9, 2008.

Questions, comments, and concerns should  be directed to Kristine Larsen (larsen@ccsu.edu).

Whatever merit is created is shared with all sentient beings. Whatever faults result are the sole burden of the webmaster.