What was the immediate necessity driving the ancient study of the sky?
Answer
Time tracking for agriculture.
The foundational motivation for ancient astronomical observation was deeply practical and linked to terrestrial survival. Without modern forecasting or calendars, the predictable patterns in the sky acted as the primary means of measuring time. This celestial clock was absolutely essential for managing the fundamental rhythms of life, specifically allowing communities to track seasons accurately for planting and harvesting crops, thereby sustaining the population. The regularity of celestial motion provided the first reliable tools for organizing agricultural cycles, which was critical for survival.
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