In recognition of the International Year of Astronomy, this year's school theme for National Science Week (15 - 23 August 2009) is Astronomy: Science Without Limits.
Astronomy is the scientific study of the universe such as the solar system, galaxies, stars and comets. But have you ever thought about how astronomy links to life on Earth, or how it links to the underwater world?
Now if you were to think about astronomy and fish, the first thing that might jump into your head is the twelfth sign in the zodiac - Pisces. Originating from the Pisces constellation, the sign is represented by a symbol of two fish.
You could also think of a fisherman's almanac, which contains astronomical data about the rising and setting of the sun and moon, eclipses and tides. These are often indicators used to determine the best fishing times!
It may even be the August full moon, which is sometimes referred to as the 'sturgeon moon'. According to the farmer's almanac, the sturgeon moon was named by fishing tribes in the Great Lakes (in Northern America), who readily caught the large sturgeon fish during this month.
But would you think about how astronomy affects the day-to-day life of animals, and how it might aid their survival?
Fish spawning aggregations - males and females getting together to spawn, are linked to one, or a combination of factors such as temperature, photoperiod (exposure to light), tide and lunar cycle (appearance of the moon) - all factors related to astronomy!
Coral spawning is also linked to astronomy and three key triggers - temperature, lunar cycle, and diurnal (night and day) cycle.
Astronomy might also affect animals' feeding behaviour - they might, for example, avoid foraging during a full moon due to increased light and potential threat from predators.
So next time you think about astronomy, think and look beyond the stars!
For more information about National Science Week visit www.scienceweek.gov.au.
