Mound J, Monte Albán: Possible Astronomical Orientation
- 1 October 1972
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in American Antiquity
- Vol. 37 (4) , 528-531
- https://doi.org/10.2307/278959
Abstract
Mound J, Monte Albán, a building of peculiar orientation and shape, has been mapped and tested for astronomical orientation. At the time of construction of the building, a line perpendicular to the base of the steps of J would have pointed to the rising position of the bright star Capella, which rose heliacally on one of the days of solar zenith passage. We note the existence of a possible zenith sighting tube built into the steps of building r which lies in the line of sight. A second coincidence is discussed in which 5 of the 25 brightest stars are found to have set close to the azimuth of the "point" of the building at the time it was erected.Keywords
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