Astronomy and space have always been fascinating subjects, capturing the imagination of people across different cultures and times. The Māori of New Zealand, with their rich cultural heritage and language, are no exception. Their language, te reo Māori, includes a variety of terms related to astronomy that provide insight into their world view and the importance of celestial bodies in their daily life and navigation. This article explores key Māori vocabulary related to astronomy and space, offering a deeper understanding of this aspect of Māori culture.

### Understanding the Basics: Māori Terminology in Astronomy

Whetū (pronounced fay-too) is the Māori word for star. Stars play a significant role in Māori navigation and mythology. For example, the appearance of certain stars was used to determine the appropriate time for planting crops or harvesting.

Kei te titiro au ki ngā whetū i te rangi. (I am looking at the stars in the sky.)

Marama means moon and is crucial in the Māori lunar calendar, which is used to guide planting, fishing, and hunting activities. Each phase of the moon has a name in Māori, reflecting its importance in daily life.

Kua kite koe i te marama i tēnei pō? (Have you seen the moon tonight?)

Rā, meaning sun, is central to Māori life, governing the days and seasons. The sun’s journey across the sky is a common theme in many Māori stories and legends.

He tino ātaahua te rā i tēnei ata. (The sun is very beautiful this morning.)

### Celestial Bodies and Phenomena

Takarangi or spiral is a pattern often found in Māori carvings and tattoos, representing growth, life, and the cosmos. This pattern is inspired by the spirals of the Milky Way, or Te Ikaroa, which is envisioned as a giant fish or sea creature in the sky.

Ko Te Ikaroa te ingoa Māori mō te Milky Way. (Te Ikaroa is the Māori name for the Milky Way.)

Ngā hau e whā refers to the four winds, important for navigation and understanding weather patterns, which were often observed in conjunction with celestial movements.

Kei te ako mātou i ngā hau e whā i te kura. (We are learning about the four winds at school.)

Atua are the gods or supernatural beings often associated with different aspects of the natural world, including celestial bodies. For example, Tāwhirimātea is the god of weather and storms, and his eyes are said to be the stars.

Ko Tāwhirimātea te atua o ngā āhuarangi. (Tāwhirimātea is the god of the weather.)

### Māori Astronomy in Navigation and Calendars

The Māori were skilled navigators, using the stars, sun, and moon to guide them across the ocean. The star cluster Matariki, also known as the Pleiades, marks the Māori New Year and is a time for celebration and remembrance.

He mea nui te Matariki ki te Māori. (Matariki is important to the Māori.)

The Maramataka is the Māori lunar calendar, which is still used by many to determine the best days for fishing and planting based on the phases of the moon.

E ai ki te maramataka, he rā pai āpōpō mō te hī ika. (According to the lunar calendar, tomorrow is a good day for fishing.)

### Modern Connections and Revival

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Māori astronomy, both within New Zealand and internationally. This revival is part of a broader movement to preserve and promote Māori language and culture.

Telescopes and modern astronomy tools are often given Māori names, integrating traditional knowledge with modern science. For instance, the Māori name for the planet Mars is Matawhero.

Ko Matawhero te ingoa Māori mō te aorangi Mars. (Matawhero is the Māori name for the planet Mars.)

Through educational programs and collaborations with astronomers, Māori knowledge about the stars is being shared and celebrated, highlighting the depth and sophistication of traditional Māori understanding of the cosmos.

In conclusion, Māori vocabulary related to astronomy and space offers a fascinating glimpse into how the Māori people have historically connected with the universe. This vocabulary not only enriches our understanding of the Māori language but also underscores the broader significance of astronomy in human culture and history.