ThE AnATOmY Of A COmplEx ASTROnOmiCAl phEnOmEnOn DESCRibED in ThE ODYSSEY

Authors

  • St. p. papamarinopoulos University of Patras, Department of Geology, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece
  • p. preka-papadema University of Athens, Department of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanism, Faculty of Physics, 15784 Athens, Greece
  • p. Antonopoulos University of Patras, Department of Physics, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece
  • H. Mitropetrou University of Patras, Department of Geology, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece
  • A.Tsironi University of Patras, Department of Geology, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece
  • P. Mitropetros University of Athens, Department of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanism, Faculty of Physics, 15784 Athens, Greece

Keywords:

Homer’s Odyssey; Theoclymenus’ prophecy; Meteor Shower

Abstract

An intense meteor shower is described as dove’s feathers falling down during the Telemachus’ arrival in Ithaca mentioned by the Homeric epic. Additionally, in the next days, there are some other descriptions which are regarded from us as meteor activity (bolides, a meteorite, many erupted meteors in the atmosphere, and a glimmering in the sky due to intense dust). In accordance with the proposed by us new astronomical dating of Odysseus’ return to Ithaca (25 October 1207 B.C.), this meteor shower occurred in the last days of October 1207 B.C. The radiant point was near to Pleiades nebula of Taurus constellation. Consequently, two astronomical phenomena (a solar eclipse and a meteor shower) were hidden in the two Theoclymenus’ prophecies, marking clearly, the Odysseus’s return to Ithaca.

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Published

2023-07-27

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Articles