Star Use by Fishermen in Oman

Abstract

Ethnographic information collected by the authors on former star use along the Arabian Sea coast of Oman is presented and discussed. Although the stars were not observed directly, some were identified from detailed descriptions and astronomy software. Many are associated with winds warning of danger at sea, a few to tell the direction, and others to note productive fishing periods. Not all stars in the full-year calendars prepared by others had practical applications. To clarify the issues raised, it will be necessary to spend more time in the fishing settlements, where possible watching stars with people who still remember them.