The ancient civilization known for their forward-thinking in astronomy is the Maya civilization. Flourishing in Mesoamerica, particularly in present-day Mexico and Central America, the Mayans had an advanced understanding of celestial movements and cycles. They developed complex calendars, including the Tzolk'in and Haab', which were based on their observations of the sun, moon, and planets. The Mayans also built observatories to study the stars and planets, leading to precise predictions of solar and lunar eclipses. Their astronomical knowledge played a crucial role in agriculture, religious ceremonies, and governance, making them leaders in the field of ancient astronomy.