Lore:Astronomy

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Observation through a telescope

Astronomical Objects

Sun

The sun

The sun (also known as Magnus, Daibethe in Yoku, and Vakka in Jel) is the common term for the largest tear in reality between the Mundus and Aetherius, and appears as a bright orb in the skies of Nirn. It is the main source of magicka in the world which flows constantly from Aetherius.

Moons

Masser and Secunda

Moons are astronomical objects within Mundus. They are said to be small planets, though this comparison is only defined by mortal comprehension, as they are truly infinite. Members of the Mages Guild described them as islands in the sky.

Nirn is generally thought to have two moons: Masser and Secunda. Masser is the larger of the two, being well over twice Secunda's size.

Planets

Great orrery of Firsthold showing planets

Planets are astronomical bodies.

Stars

Stars from the Stros M'kai observatory

Stars are believed by many to be tears in the veil of Oblivion that lead to Aetherius. There are a great many stars in the sky, some of which form the Constellations.

Altmer myths claim that stars were created by the Magna Ge, Anuic spirits that fled Creation after the departure of its architect, the god Magnus, who made the world. Magnus himself left the greatest tear in the firmament: the Sun, sometimes named Magnus. The stars are therefore sometimes referred to as the "children of Magnus". One Aldmeri myth claims the stars were instead created from the blood of Anu. Some believe that stars are "fragments" of Magnus.

Some stars are named after or associated with Daedric Princes or the Daedra in general.

Redguards believe that the stars were created by Ruptga as a way to guide spirits to the far shores.

Unstars

Unstars forming the Serpent

Unstars, also known as not-stars, are celestial objects that resemble stars. Unlike stars, unstars move across the sky and do not emit varliance, though they still emit light. The nature of this light and its effect on mortals remains uncertain.

The constellation of the Serpent, comprised of four unstars, is not confined to appearing in the night sky at specific times of the year. The motions of unstars that form the Sepent are deemed unpredictable. Although they can be forecasted to some extent, sometimes it is deemed impossible.

Astronomical Phenomena

Constellations

The Mage constellation

Constellations (known as Sky Tales to the Reachmen) are collections of stars and other astronomical objects which appear in the night sky which form a perceived pattern. The constellation that is in the night sky at the time of year of a person's birth is called their birthsign (also spelled birth sign) or star sign and is believed to influence their characteristics and fate. Those born under certain constellations are said to be 'fortunate in their aspects'. Such people are often blessed or cursed with remarkable abilities or weaknesses as a result of the magical conjunctions of celestial influences.

There are generally accepted to be thirteen constellations in the sky, sometimes called the Thirteen Patrons. There are three guardian constellations, known to the Reachmen as the Reach Guardians and the Guardians in the Sky: the Warrior, the Mage, and the Thief, each associated with three other constellations, called their charges (known as the Lesser Stars to the Reachfolk). Each of these twelve constellations corresponds to one of the twelve months of the year. The thirteenth sign, the Serpent, is neither guardian nor charge.

Aurora

The Aurora

The aurora (also known as Kyne's lights) is a phenomenon occurring in the night sky characterized by vivid ribbons of light. It occurs when the skies are clear. Similar phenomena occur in realms of Oblivion, and Aetherius.

Bloodmoon

The Bloodmoon

The Bloodmoon is a phenomenon occurring when Hircine's Great Hunt is hosted on Nirn. During the Great Hunt, Secunda turns a deep shade of red and becomes the Bloodmoon. The hunt is believed to end when the Bloodmoon disappears, and Secunda turning red is considered a calling for the chase. The Bloodmoon occurs naturally in the Hunting Grounds, as the Great Hunts are constantly held there.

Eclipse

^(?)

Star Maps and Orreries

Many cultures follow the passage of the stars.

The Dwemer

A Dwemer star chart

Undoubtedly the most advanced knowledge of the heavens comes via the relics of the Dwemer.

Of particular importance is the Orrery found in the Arcane University at the Imperial City in Cyrodiil which shows all the various planets and can even draw upon the power of Nirn's twin moons.

A second place of importance is upon the island of Stros M'Kai where a Dwemer observatory lies. This observatory contains an orrery as well and a star chart upon its ceiling. The star chart displays runes for each constellation in a radial grid, clockwise by their associated month. A guardian and its three charges are all found at the same distance from the center of the galaxy.

The Reachfolk

The Reachmen call constellations "Sky Tales" and track them with visions and ancient Dwarven plaques. Some Reachfolk Witches can read the stars and see the future and hidden truths in their light.

The Yokudans

A Yokudan sand map

A Yokudan starstone

The pre-Redguard Yokudan culture in particular was noted for its astrologers, who would make crude sand maps in their camps. These are identical to the Dwemer star charts in their radial configuration of the constellations. The only difference at all is the simplification of guardian runes to outlined squares and charge runes to filled circles.

The Elder Scrolls

Finally, the Elder Scrolls themselves would seem to depict some sort of star map, with various glyphs of unknown purpose adorning both the foreground and background. Those with no knowledge of the Elder Scrolls, or those with special destinies, can view an Elder Scroll with no ill-effects, and report to see in them patterns similar to star charts, at least those familiar with astronomy or astral navigation.

Upon careful examination of the particular Elder Scroll depicted here, one can see an outline of The Thief constellation; this is highly appropriate, as this particular Elder Scroll was stolen from the Imperial Palace and used to break the curse on the Cowl of Nocturnal.

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  An Elder Scroll

Gallery

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  A broken Dwemer orrery

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  A mage apprentice's orrery

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  Orrery in Elden Root of Ayleid origin

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  Concept art

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  Orrery in the Arcane University

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  Clockwork orrery

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  Dwemer orrery diagram

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  Dwemer star chart

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  Yokudan Skystone scabbard

References

Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.