Announcements For next time: read Chapter 2. Come to class Tuesday 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 1 st project on as soon as you decide. First-come-first-served with no duplication is allowed.

Chapter 1 Astronomy 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