One of the key features of many African astronomical events is the first rising of Canopus. Canopus rises in June, marking the onset of the dry winter season South of the Equator. Traditionally, the first man to spot it rising after its transition behind the Sun would be awarded a cow.

Here is how Canopus appeared in 300 BC rising with the Sun

(These images were produced by the "Starry Night" planetarium program)

Here is how Canopus appeared in 1998 rising with the Sun

Things were not much different 2300 years ago than the rising of Canopus now, so this tradition could be very ancient.

For half the year, the Borana Calendar is based on the sequential rising of the new moon with various asterisms. Namoratunga II is supposed to be pointing at the key asterisms as they were in 300 BC. The next series of images shows the sequential rising of the new Moon in 300 BC.

March Sky of Kenya	April Sky of Kenya
May Sky Of Kenya	June Sky Of Kenya

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