Ancient Observatories

Learn more

• Learn more about American Indians, Anasazi Indians, archaeology, astronomy, history, indigenous peoples, and North America.

Legal

Chaco Canyon is located in a very remote area of northwest New Mexico. There is evidence of a nomadic society having lived there as early as 2900 BC. Around 850 AD the people built large stone structures and showed that this was a highly organized and sophisticated culture. By 1150 AD the area was abandoned.

Archaeoastronomy, the study of astronomy of ancient cultures, is the focus of this resource. Using maps, films, and animations, this site shows the importance of the sun, the moon and the change of season to the Chacoan culture. Chaco Canyon is of great interest to those who study ancient cultures, including archaeoastronomers. Petroglyphs and the construction of the structures give a hint as to the society of the Chacoan people. This evidence suggests that the Chacoans were expert skywatchers, with a clear knowledge of the cyclic and seasonal patterns of the sun, moon, and stars.

This entire site is available in an attractive Flash format or a printer-friendly version to facilitate printing of the information.

Exploratorium has devised a set of hands-on classroom activities to help teach students about the sun, seasons, and Chacoan culture. They include National Science Education Standards, downloadable versions of each activity, and links to relevant information on the Web site. In addition, there is a link to NASA’s Sun-EarthDay main site which features Ancient Observatories and Sun Watchers Through Time. Register on the Educator’s Page to get free instructional materials and updates from NASA.