Problematizing the concept of "astronomical observation". Methodological reflections from the ethnographic experience among the Moqoit of Chaco

Abstract

The present paper analyzes, from the example of the moqoit of the Argentine Chaco, the methodological precautions that must be taken at the time of using the concept of "astronomical observation" when dealing with diverse socio-cultural contexts. The common sense of academic astronomy often takes for granted the framework of meaning that makes direct experience of sky possible and links it directly to the "observation" of "phenomena" and "objects." Our work shows that it is necessary, in order to problematize this usual assumptions, an ethnographic investigation of fundamental questions such as: when and from where the sky is experienced? What senses intervene in this experience? What is night? What is the link between dreams and wakefulness? From ethnographic field work, previous ethnographies and the use of documentary sources, we analyze these questions for the moqoit case, elaborating general methodological reflections for work in the field of cultural astronomy.