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Related Experiment Videos

A unique solar marking construct.

A Sofaer, V Zinser, R M Sinclair

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |October 19, 1979
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    An Anasazi Indian astronomical site in New Mexico uses stone slabs to focus sunlight on petroglyphs, marking solstices and equinoxes. This unique archaeoastronomy site tracks the sun

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    Area of Science:

    • Archaeoastronomy
    • Archaeology
    • Native American Studies

    Background:

    • An isolated butte in New Mexico features a unique stone slab assembly.
    • This assembly interacts with sunlight and carved spiral petroglyphs on a cliff face.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze the function and significance of the stone slab assembly and petroglyphs.
    • To understand its role in Anasazi Indian astronomical observations.

    Main Methods:

    • Observational analysis of sunlight patterns on petroglyphs throughout the year.
    • Documentation of specific solar events (solstices, equinoxes) and lunar phenomena.
    • Comparison with known archaeoastronomical methods.

    Main Results:

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  • The stone assembly collimates sunlight, creating a changing illumination pattern on the spiral petroglyphs.
  • The site accurately marks solstices and equinoxes with distinct light patterns.
  • The unique method utilizes the changing height of the midday sun, not rising/setting points.
  • The assembly is also capable of observing lunar phenomena.

    • Conclusions:

    • The construct is attributed to the deliberate work of the Anasazi Indians.
    • This site represents a unique archaeoastronomical application, differing from traditional methods.
    • It highlights sophisticated solar and lunar observation capabilities of the ancient Anasazi people.