A recent discovery has unveiled the oldest visual representations of the Milky Way in ancient Egyptian artifacts, shedding light on the connection between astronomy and religious beliefs in pharaonic Egypt. Dr. Or Graur, an astrophysics associate professor at the University of Portsmouth, has identified distinct wavy black curves on ancient coffins that closely resemble our galaxy's appearance in the night sky.

Ancient Coffins Unearth Cosmic Connections in Egyptian Mythology

The breakthrough revolves around depictions of Nut, the Egyptian sky goddess, found on coffins dating back almost 5,000 years. Dr. Graur analyzed 125 representations of Nut on 555 ancient Egyptian coffins, focusing on unique artistic elements that could link to celestial observations.

On the outer coffin of Nesitaudjatakhet, a singer of Amon-Ra who lived around 3,000 years ago, Nut's body showcases a distinctive undulating black curve. This curve, extending from her feet to her fingertips, is adorned with stars painted in equal numbers above and below it, resembling the Great Rift - the dark dust band dividing the Milky Way's diffuse glow.

Dr. Graur explained, "The wavy curve likely represents the Milky Way and may correspond to the Great Rift. Comparing this depiction to a Milky Way photograph reveals a striking resemblance." This discovery offers fresh insights into how ancient Egyptians perceived and depicted celestial phenomena, akin to NASA's exploration of Mars reshaping our understanding of the Red Planet's history.

Stellar Patterns and Mythological Significance

In traditional Egyptian cosmology, Nut appears as a star-covered, arched woman safeguarding Earth from the void's floods. She plays a pivotal role in the solar cycle, absorbing the sun at dusk and reviving it at dawn. Her curved posture symbolizes her sky identification and protective role over Earth.

Similar wavy curves appear in four tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Ramses VI's tomb features two arched figures of Nut on the burial chamber ceiling, separated by thick golden wavy curves. These architectural elements bolster the theory that ancient Egyptians integrated Milky Way observations into their religious art.

The scarcity of these specific wavy patterns reinforces Dr. Graur's conclusion that, while Nut and the Milky Way are linked, they are not identical. He stated, "Nut isn't a Milky Way representation. Instead, the Milky Way, like the sun and stars, is one of many celestial phenomena adorning Nut's body in her sky role." This intricate relationship between mythology and astronomy underscores how ancient cultures interpreted enigmatic cosmic phenomena through cultural lenses.

Evolving Understanding of Egypt's Astronomical Knowledge

Dr. Graur's recent research builds on his prior work from April 2024, analyzing ancient texts like the Pyramid Texts, Coffin Texts, and the Book of Nut. By comparing these sources with advanced simulations of the Egyptian night sky, he suggested that the Milky Way may have illuminated Nut's sky role in Egyptian mythology.

He proposed that, in winter, the Milky Way highlighted Nut's extended arms, while in summer, it traced her spine across the celestial vault. His comprehension has evolved since that initial publication. Dr. Graur noted, "The texts alone indicated one way to understand the Nut-Milky Way connection. Analyzing her visual representations on coffins and funerary paintings added a new dimension, painting a different picture literally."

Scientific Implications for Ancient Astronomical Knowledge

This discovery offers valuable insights into ancient Egyptians' astronomical knowledge and how they fused celestial observations into their religious practices. Similar to modern scientists studying lunar formations, ancient Egyptian astronomers meticulously observed the night sky.

The research indicates that ancient Egyptians recognized the Milky Way's distinct appearance and integrated it into their artistic and religious expressions. This level of astronomical awareness showcases sophisticated observational skills predating modern scientific instruments by millennia.

As our comprehension of ancient astronomical knowledge expands, researchers continue unveiling surprising links between ancient cultures and the cosmos. These discoveries underscore humanity's enduring fascination with the night sky, from ancient Egyptian coffins to unexpected scientific revelations in contemporary times.

The findings are published in the Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage (2025), bridging ancient mythology with modern astrophysics. Amid ongoing environmental changes impacting our planet, understanding how ancient civilizations perceived their cosmic relationship offers valuable insights into humanity's place in the universe.