Invited talk at Night Photo Summit 2026

Description of Activity

An invited talk about the ancient Egyptian Milky Way:

Title: The Ancient Egyptian Milky Way

Abstract: The ancient Egyptians left us some of the earliest records of the night sky, where they noted the movements of the sun, moon, planets and constellations. Many of these objects are associated with—or personified by—certain gods (such as Re and the Sun). Yet how the Egyptians conceptualized the Milky Way remains a mystery.

This talk by astrophysics professor Dr. Or Graur will focus on the suggestion that the Milky Way was a manifestation of Nut, the Egyptian goddess of the sky. He has tested this theory by combining astronomical simulations of the Egyptian night sky, readings of ancient Egyptian religious texts, ancient Egyptian material culture (coffins, funerary papyri, tomb paintings and cosmetic spoons), and anthropological studies of Milky Way creation stories from around the world.

Or will show how Nut’s depictions changed over the course of Egyptian history and will present the first visual evidence for the Milky Way in ancient Egyptian art. He will conclude by arguing that the Milky Way was not a manifestation of Nut but rather one more astronomical phenomenon that graced her body in her role as the goddess of the sky.

Period	13 Feb 2026
Event title	Night Photo Summit 2026
Event type	Conference
Degree of Recognition	International