A new study published in the Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage reveals that ancient Egyptians may have accurately depicted the Milky Way galaxy in their art as early as 3000 years ago. The research, conducted by Dr. Or Graur, an astrophysicist at the University of Portsmouth, analyzed over 125 images of the sky goddess Nut found on ancient Egyptian coffins and tomb walls.
Nut, often depicted as a naked, arched woman covered in stars, symbolized the sky and the protection of the Earth. Graur's analysis focused on unusual depictions of Nut featuring a thick, undulating black curve bisecting her star-studded body. He suggests that this curve represents the Great Rift, a dark band of dust that cuts through the Milky Way.
These detailed depictions suggest a sophisticated understanding of the galaxy's structure. The Egyptians may have integrated their astronomical observations with their religious beliefs, interpreting the shapes of the Milky Way as expressions of the goddess Nut. This finding highlights the advanced astronomical knowledge of ancient Egyptian civilization and their ability to create detailed maps of the cosmos. The study was published on April 30, 2025.