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If you look at one of the amazingly detailed Minoan gold seal rings, you might see a tiny human figure hovering as if it's descending from the heavens. These are usually interpreted as a deity coming down to their worshipers: an epiphany scene.

But what about all the other strange shapes that float in the air on the seal rings?

Like many other ancient cultures, the Minoans were accomplished astronomers. Their mythology, their artifacts, and their architecture reflect their fascination with the tiny twinkling lights that moved through the night sky as well as the brightest sky-light of all, the Sun. As so many other societies around the world have done, they incorporated this astronomical knowledge into their mythology and their spiritual practice.

With the Great American Eclipse just a couple of days ago, I began thinking about the Minoans' ability to predict eclipses. There is some contention that this stone die found near Palaikastro is an eclipse calculator:

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Pluto's features acquire a number of eerie and otherworldly names. A look at a science essay written by Winston Churchill. And what the discovery of a star system with 7 Earth-sized planets means for astronomy. It's Earthy Thursday, our segment about science and Earth-related news. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

Climate change pushes people to leave their homes for places with (perhaps literally) greener grass. Scholars try to combat the preponderance of "alternative facts." And a look at how changes in engineering and architectural design could help make the future more sustainable. It's Earthy Thursday, our segment on science and Earth-related news! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

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Another city in the developing world gains the moniker of "most polluted city." Medical engineers pioneer a new, "artificial pancreas." And the Paris Agreement on climate change moves forward despite its uncertain future under President Trump and a Republican majority in Congress. It's Earthy Thursday, our weekly segment about science and Earth-related news! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!