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Inuit

skycultures/inuit/description.md

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Inuit

Introduction

Inuit are the native population of the Arctic.

Description

The Inuit sky culture files available for Stellarium are an adaptation of John MacDonald's research in his book [#1]. While placements and specifics of Inuit constellations might differ from tribe to tribe, the information in Stellarium presents the constellations and general themes of the arctic universe.

The Milky Way

The Divider, Aviguti.

Constellations

Two Sunbeams

Aagjuuk, an important constellation for timekeeping.

Two Placed Far Apart

Akkuttujuuk, two stars signaling the return of sunlight to the arctic.

Dogs

Qimmiitt, five dogs harassing Nanook, or Nanurjuk, the polar bear.

Collarbones

Quturjuuk

Lamp Stand

Pituaq, stand containing the burning fuel providing light

Caribou

The big dipper is Tukturjuit, the caribou.

Two in Front

Sivulliik, "the first ones" , Little Orphan Boy being chased by an angry grandfather.

The Old Woman Behind

Kingulliq, the grandmother chasing the Two in Front

Breastbone

Sakiattiak, The Pleiades, are seen as a breast bone.

Runners

Orion's Belt is Ullaktut, three hunters lost on a hunting trip for Nanuk, the polar bear.

Blubber Container

Uqsuutaattiaq, a seal flipper skin sewn shut, contains fuel for lamps.

Never Moves

Nuuttuittuq is the North Star Polaris, the star that never moves.

Nephews or Nieces

The Orion Nebula, Qangimmaariik, a group of children.

Name of a Murdered Man

Or sometimes: "He who never goes out on newly formed ice". Sikuliaqsiujuittuq is Procyon, the main star in Canis Minor.

References

Authors

This sky culture was contributed by Karrie Berglund of Digitalis Education Solutions, Inc. based primarily on the book [#1].

Illustrations are done by Johan Meuris.

License

Text and data: GNU GPL v2.0

Illustrations: Free Art License