Announcements• For next time: read Chapter 2. Come to class Friday

with a question to pose to the class for discussion. Be prepared to lead the discussion.

• Let me know the book you want to do your 1st project on as soon as you decide. First-come-first-served with no duplication is allowed.

• Dark Sky Observing Night this Thursday. Forecast is iffy. I’ll know more by Wednesday. Activities start at 8:30pm so set-up begins at 7:30pm.

Chapter 1Astronomy Before History

Hopi horizon calendar: sunset in the San Francisco peaks near Flagstaff Arizona

Newgrange, Ireland

The “door” of Newgrange

Alentejo Neolithic Tombs

Alentejo Tombs

Taula Sanctuaries on the island of Menorca, Spain

Stonehenge

Lay-out of Stonehenge

Construction Stages of Stonehenge

Other Megalithic Structures

Carnac, France

Callanish, Scotland

Ring of Kerry, Ireland

Megalithic Cultures of Europe

Mesoamerican Astronomy

The Mayan carved stone hieroglyphs in their structures

The Mayan Calendar

They had three cycles in their calendar: 365 days, 360 days and 260 days. They were also big on the cycles of Venus (584 days).

The Dresden Codec

Most Mayan texts were destroyed by the Spanish Conquistadores but a few survived

North American Indian Astronomy

Chaco Canyon New Mexico

There are a number of sites in New Mexico and Arizona

The Sun Dagger at Chaco Canyon

Modern Day Primitive Cultures

There are cultures in Africa and the Amazon of South America that live in isolation. Understanding their view of astronomy can help us understand those of pre-historic societies