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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

Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) Phase IV
Cesare Berrini's hypotheses concerning the relationships between bas-relief carvings on the Gateway of the Sun, the annual solar cycle, and geometric time measurement.

Center for Archaeoastronomy
Founded in 1978 at the University of Maryland to advance research, education and public awareness of archaeoastronomy.

University of Massachusetts Sunwheel
A project to build a stone circle aligned to the sunrises and sunsets of the solstices and equinoxes, as well as the north pole star, for use by the community as a tool for education and outreach.

The Shaw Butte Notebook
This site makes extensive use of Quicktime to describe and demonstrate the workings of an Hohokam observatory.

Archaeoastronomy
Well developed site featuring articles and photographs on a number of significant sites and their Archaeoastronomy

Pathfinder - Ancient American Calendar
Observe video of light/shadow interplay on 1,000+ year old rock art marking equinox sunrise at a remote, newly discovered Colorado site.

Aboriginal Star Knowledge
Native American Astronomy, with a focus on Lakota star knowledge.

The Dogon and Sirius
A detailed examination of M. Griaule's 1950 paper "Un Systeme Soudanais de Sirius" in terms of both ethnography and astronomy.

Dioptra
The earliest dioptra (c.300 BCE) was a device for measuring the angle, in parts of a "Sign", between two celestial objects. Photos and descriptions of how to make one and how they work.

Archaeoastronomy
Introduction to Irish megalithic complexes; includes future astronomical sight times.


Science: Astronomy: Calendars and Timekeeping
Science: Astronomy: History
Science: Astronomy: In the Arts




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