[fiforpg]

Annnd, this is exactly how humanity figured out astronomy before the telescopes: by taking multi-year observations and keeping detailed records! See Antikythera mechanism, Tycho Brahe, etc. Arguably the entire Greek epistemology was so solid because their astronomy turned out to be an early proving ground for the scientific method.

[dylan604]

This is something I mention to the younger kids at start parties. Way back then, there was no internet, no devices, no tv, no radio, no movies, and more importantly no easily accessible calendars. You couldn't help but look up at the night sky. There was really nothing else to do, and when the only thing available to know when to plant and harvest was based on the constellations visible at the time. It helps put things into a way that helps them think about it even if they can't quite comprehend not having devices.

[crazygringo]

> There was really nothing else to do

Well, nothing to do except for storytelling, music, dancing, parties, games, plays, sports, eating, drinking, visiting, festivals, gossip...

People have been pretty good at keeping themselves entertained for a very long time.

[morsch]

Like the sibling, I don't think people had trouble entertaining and distracting themselves. But there was no electrical light, and much less artificial lighting overall. Evenings and nights were dark. I'm sure many a walk home after a gathering was lit only by the night sky.

Meanwhile, I can see the moon and like ten stars on a typical night, because I live in a city and there is massive ambient light at night.