Ancient solar observatory discovered in Peru
Interesting - because it puts back the idea of astronomical observations in the "New World" by a number of years
Ancient Solar Observatory Discovered in Peru
The first solar observatory in the Americas may have been uncovered in coastal Peru. The ceremonial site provides evidence of sophisticated 'cults of the Sun' operating in South America as early as 2300 years ago.Other ancient structures around the world – such as Stonehenge, which is estimated to be 5000 years old – are aligned with the rising and setting of the Sun on certain days called the solstices. These occur twice a year, around 22 June and 22 December, when the Sun appears to reach its highest point above or below the equator.
Previously, archaeologists had uncovered 4000-year-old gourd fragments in Peru showing images of a "staff god" with rays emanating from its head, perhaps like the Sun (see America's oldest religious icon revealed).
Historical records also describe "Sun pillars" suggesting that South America's Incan civilisation was observing the Sun – possibly to help mark when to plant crops – around 1500 AD, though those pillars have since been destroyed. The Incas also held public rituals to observe the Sun rise or set at marked positions on the horizon, and Incan leaders claimed authority to rule through kinship to the Sun.
Tags: astro-archaeology, astronomy, history, science, pre-columbian