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The Winter 2010 issue of The Earth Scientist includes a variety of educational resources, ranging from astronomy to glaciers. Check out the other publications and classroom materials in our online store.

West African Mythology

Visit the links to learn about the myths of West Africa related to objects in the sky, and aspects of their world.

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<a href="/mythology/shango_storm.html&edu=elem">Shango</a> was the forth king of the ancient Oyo Empire, the West African center of culture and politics for the Yoruba people.After his death, he became known as the god of <a href="/earth/Atmosphere/tstorm/tstorm_lightning.html&edu=elem">thunder and lightning</a>. In artwork, such as this wood carving, he is often depicted with a double ax on his head, the symbol of a thunderbolt, or he is depicted as a fierce ram.<p><small><em>Image Courtesy of the Hamill Gallery of African Art, Boston, MA</em></small></p>

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Explore West African Mythology

Yoruba: Olokun

Olokun was the sea god of the Yoruba people, who live in Benin. His name means "owner of the ...Read more

Yoruba: Shango

Shango was the king of the Oyo kingdom in West Africa. This was where the Yoruba people lived ...Read more

Yoruba: Olorun

Olorun, whose name means "owner", is the sky-god of the Yoruba people. He is also known as ...Read more

Fon: Mawu

Mawu is the supreme god of the Fon people of Abomey (Republic of Benin). Mawu , the Moon, brings ...Read more

Fon: Liza

Liza is a god of the Fon people of West Africa. Liza is represented by the fierce Sun. Usually ...Read more

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Did you know?

Did you know that solar activity follows an 11-year solar cycle?

Did you know that the Japanese god Susanowo was the god of the sea and storms, and that he had a terrible temper?

 

Earth and Space Science Concept of the Day

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Asperity
xAsperity : An asperity is an area on a fault that is stuck.

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Research Highlights

Mysterious Clouds Produced by Aircraft

Without meaning to, airplanes can cause certain types of clouds to produce snow or rain. When the aircraft climb or descend through mid-level clouds, if the atmospheric conditions are right then the planes...Read more


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