Basic astronomy sources focused on what's visible from earth?

[Acadie]

I'm working on a novel set partly in the Temple of the Moon God at Ur and need to understand the cycles of the sun, moon and Venus more deeply, and in relation to each other. For some reason my brain kind of scrambles when I attempt this, so I'm not looking for super complex material. Sources that relate what's happening in the sky to what we see on earth with the naked eye would be ideal. Please do not hesitate to suggest materials that increased your kids' comprehension, since I'm very much approaching this with beginner's mind 🙂

I'm open to anything--books, videos, websites, suggestions on sky watching, etc. I do live in a fairly cloudy place at the moment, so even a link to an observatory with lessons on what's visible in the night sky would be helpful. I have my eye on a couple writing retreats where I might be able to sky watch nightly, once the pandemic subsides. 

Learning about megalithic sites in Ireland is helping a little, mostly because a diagram of standing stones or passage tombs helps me orient myself spatially. Bonus for anything specific to the skies of Iraq/Mesopotamia or ancient Near Eastern astronomy, but I realize that's a pretty big ask! I have found some research articles on ancient Near Eastern astronomy but need a better foundation to really understand them. 

[El...]

Kids' books are my starting point lately, and here's a couple good ones. I'm not sure if they'll have everything you need. One i own, and the other I want. 😁

Astronomy for Kids: How to... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1641521430?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Night Sky, 2nd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1426220154/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_QTW24KBZY1E4XB3ZS0B1

[Slache]

https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/science/book-astronomy/

[Acadie]

22 minutes ago, elroisees said:

Kids' books are my starting point lately, and here's a couple good ones. I'm not sure if they'll have everything you need. One i own, and the other I want. 😁

Astronomy for Kids: How to... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1641521430?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Night Sky, 2nd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1426220154/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_QTW24KBZY1E4XB3ZS0B1

Thank you! Library holds placed, and I see a purchase or two in my future...

[Moonhawk]

Phone/Tablet/iPad Apps: Star Walk (may have a new version by now). Very interactive and you can drag it around to see the sky directly above you, below you, and at different angles. 

[Quarter Note]

Hi @Acadie.  Ancient astronomy is a topic we dive into every once in a while.  These may or may not be helpful to you, but there have been a couple of Youtube talks that I've watched that may help you:

Medieval Islamic Astronomy (I know that this is not the right time period for you, but it may be close enough geographically to help.)

Sky Cultures of the World (This one was really good.)

Good luck!