Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 2: Problem 1

Describe three structures or carvings made by past civilizations that show an understanding of astronomy.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Three structures that show an ancient understanding of astronomy include Stonehenge by the Druids which aligns with the sun's positions during the solstices, the Pyramids of Giza by the Egyptians which align with the North and the Polar star, and El Castillo at Chichen Itza by the Mayans, which casts shadows during the equinoxes and solstices.

Step by step solution

01

Structure 1: Stonehenge

Stonehenge, located in England, was constructed by the ancient Druids in Bronze Age between 3000 and 2000 BC. It displays an understanding of the lunar and solar cycles. The alignment of the stones corresponds with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset, suggesting a calendar system based on the movements of the sun.
02

Structure 2: Pyramids of Giza

Built by the ancient Egyptians around 2600 BC. These pyramids are oriented to the North, which is believed to be in association with the celestial pole and the stars that never set, especially the Polar star. This alignment with the North indicates an understanding of the Earth's rotation.
03

Structure 3: Chichen Itza

The Mayans built the El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza around AD 1000. The pyramid was designed to cast shadows at certain times of the year that corresponded to the equinoxes and solstices. This phenomena, coupled with the Mayan's advanced calendar system, showed a deep understanding of the sun's yearly cycle.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe how the seasons would be different if the Earth's axis of rotation, rather than having its present \(23 \frac{1}{2}^{\circ}\) tilt, were tilted (a) by \(0^{\circ}\) or (b) by \(90^{\circ}\).

Because 24 hours of right ascension takes you all the way around the celestial equator, \(24^{\mathrm{h}}=360^{\circ}\), what is the angle in the sky (measured in degrees) between a star with R.A. = \(8^{\mathrm{h}} 0^{\mathrm{m}} 0^{\mathrm{s}}\), Decl. \(=0^{\circ} 0^{\prime} 0^{\prime \prime}\) and a second star with R.A. \(=\) \(11^{\mathrm{h}} 20^{\mathrm{m}} 0^{\mathrm{s}}\), Decl. \(=0^{\circ} 0^{\prime} 0^{\prime \prime}\) ? Explain your answer.

The Gemini North Observatory shown in the photograph that opens this chapter is located in Hawaii, roughly \(20^{\circ}\) north of the equator. Its near- twin, the Gemini South Observatory, is located roughly \(30^{\circ}\) south of the equator in Chile. Why is it useful to have telescopes in both the northern and southern hemispheres?

What is the difference between the sidereal year and the tropical year? Why are these two kinds of year slightly different in length? Why are calendars based on the tropical year?

Where on Earth do you have to be in order to see the Sun at the zenith? As seen from such a location, will the Sun be at the zenith every day? Explain.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Engineering Physics

Read Explanation

Electric Charge Field and Potential

Read Explanation

Electricity

Read Explanation

Conservation of Energy and Momentum

Read Explanation

Electricity and Magnetism

Read Explanation

Particle Model of Matter

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free