1/5~ Astronomy found in the vedic saṃhitās, brāhmaṇas and allied literature reveal India's roots in the long running pursuit of excellence in Jyotisha & Gaṇitā. The Moon is called Sūrya-raśmi i.e., one which shines by sunlight (Taittirīyasaṃhitā 3.4.7.1).
2/5~ The dependence of Moon’s phases on its elongation from the Sun is implicit in a description in Śatapatha-brāhmaṇa. 1.5.4.18-20. The Moon’s path was divided into 27 or 28 equal parts, because the Moon took about 27&1/3 days in traversing it.
3/5~ Taittirīyabrāhmaṇa (1. 5. 1; 3. 1. 1–2; 3. 1. 4–5) give the names of the 28 nakṣatras along with Abhijit (Lyra). The Śatapathabrāhmaṇa (10. 5. 4. 5) gives the names of the 27 nakṣatras as well as those of the 27 upa-nakṣatras.
4/5~ Constellations other than nakṣatras well known in Ṛgveda(1.24.10; 10.14.11; 10.63.10) are Ṛkṣas(Great & Little Bear), 2 divine Dogs (Canis Major & Minor) & the heavenly Boat (Argo Navis). Great Bear is Saptarṣi in Śatapatha-brāhmaṇa(2.1.2.4) & Tāṇḍya-brāhmaṇa(1.5.5)
5/5~ The Aitareya-brāhmaṇa(13. 9) mentions the constellation of Mṛga or Deer (Orion) and the star Mṛgavyādha (Sirius). ulkā (meteors) and dhūmaketu (comets) have been mentioned in the Atharvaveda (19. 9. 8–9, 19. 9. 10).
