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Archaeoastronomy (likewise spelled Archeoastronomy) is, when a title implies, a combination of astronomical and archaeological studies. Specifically, it covers a intersection between them. A single aspect of this is a apply of the historical record before the genesis of the modern astronomic discipline sequentially to learn retiring astronomic cases. It likewise might require a apply of astronomic cognition & extrapolation to more my understanding of the historical record. Them disciplines interact constructively. Cultural anthropologists have contributed to a field of archaeouranology by studying the astronomy of other modern, historical cultures; this learn is termed, ethnoastronomy.
An lesson of the number 1 rather archaeoastronomy is the survey of the extensive records of ancient China for information to "guest stars". "Guest stars," or even star-such as objects which appeared in the night sky, were of great interest to the observers of ancient China & were typically dutifully recorded. These cases use at times been associated by having numerous transient phenomena, like comets and, particularly, supernovae.
An lesson of the 2nd rather archeoastronomy is the learn of solar, lunar, & star alignments of historical monuments. Numbers of claims keep around been processed that a megalithic monument, Stonehenge, represents an "ancient observatory," although a extent of its have in this regard is in question. Sure Stonehenge - & numerous more ancient monuments - is aligned by having particular significance to the solstice & equinox points. Similar claims use at times been mass produced that a Great Pyramids of Egypt are aligned with a stars in the belt of Orion, in reflection of the significance invested in this constellation by the ancient Egyptians.
In a period of the Sixties, Alexander Thom did a thorough locate around megalithic monuments in Britain, & published a effects is Megalithic sites in Britain (Oxford, 1967). Apart from either arguing for his theory of the megalithic yard, he aland so argues sustaining statistical procedure that the big section of the monuments inside Britaaround come oriented in how else so it may be utilized when calendars. His theory proposes that a monuments mark points on a horizon in which a sun, moon & primary stars rises at seasonal extremes rather summer solstice, midwinter & the equinoxes.
Some Old World sites where archaeoastronomy is being explored
Arkaim
Ballochroy
Carnac, the Grand Standing stone Brisé
Great Pyramid at Giza
Kintraw
Minard, Brainport Bay, raising methodological issues
Newgrange
Sarmizegetusa Regia, Romania
Stonehenge and other structures apparently aligned to astronomic bodies and/or events
Some New World sites where archaeoastronomy is being explored
Cahokia, Mirror of the cosmos
Chichen Itza, the caracol
Monte Alban, zenith tube
Teotihuacan, the pecked-cross circles when survey-markers
Uxmal, Venus allignment of the "Governor's Palace"
Xochicalco, zenith tube
Some artifacts that throw light on archaeoastronomy
Ancient calendars based on astronomical observations
Antikythera mechanism
Nebra skydisk
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