Where astronomy and archaeology meet--including the study of past ways of keeping track of the changing seasons by way of the solar and lunar calendars--is called archaeoastronomy.
A selection of photographs from the prehistoric Chankillo astronomical observatory of Peru, by Ivan Ghezzi.
Astronomical observatories have been built by humans for thousands of years, all over the world. Here's a selection of the some of the most interesting.
A bibliography of recent books and journals on astronomy in the ancient world, compiled by David Dearborn
Archaeoastronomer David Dearborn's extensive bibliography on the study of the science of archaeoastronomy in the American continents.
The 5,000 year old megalithic building in the Golan Heights called Rujm el-Hiri was apparently intended for star-watching in Israel; that certainly seems like an appropriate topic for the season. Happy holidays, everyone!
Complete issues beginning with the first newsletter in 1991 through 1998.
An online website, built here for About.com by David Dearborn of the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.
An interview with David Dearborn.
Anthony Aveni's book Skywatchers is an encyclopedic coverage of naked-eye astronomy and the mathematical and astronomical interpretations of Mesoamerican codices across Latin America, accompanied by voluminous appendices and specialized bibliographies.
May be an observatory, according to one theory.
From the Exploratorium, a teaching resource about climate and astronomy based on Chaco Canyon. Well worth a trip; takes Macromedia Flash.
Part of a website by David Dearborn
A virtual visit to a tiny rockshelter in the Shaw Butte, decorated with Hohokam petroglyphs and thought to be an astronomical observatory, from Todd Bostwick and Stan Plum.
Skytwatchers is Anthony Aveni's introduction to the study of archaeoastronomy, and an explanation of how skywatching worked before the invention of the telescope, and an investigation into precolumbian scientific practices.
From Chris Woodford of Archaeologists and Development, the quintessential observatory.
Cosmology is the intersection between astronomy and religion; many if not most prehistoric cultures studied the movement of the stars and planets as part of a religious rituals.
Test your trivia knowledge about the ancient site of Rujm el Hiri in this quick quiz.
