How the Sky Works

HOW THE SKY WORKS

Equinox = Equals Spring and Fall

The sun rises due east all over the world without regard to latitude.

Summer Solstice

The longest day of the year. At 45 degrees North latitude it is about 63 degrees East of mag. North. The sun rises high in the sky from the NE

Winter solstice

The sun rises from the SE and is low in the sky (hence it is cold). Over the period of a year the sun moves from rising in the NE to the SE and back. When it rises in the NE it is summer. When it rises in the SE it is winter. When it rises due East it is spring or fall.

Q: WHY DO FARMERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND ASTRONOMY?

Calendars are needed by farmers so they know when to plant in short growing seasons. There may also be many other reasons related to religion, astrology, divination, and cultural beliefs and seasonal cycles.

Q: WHAT EFFECT DOES LATITUDE HAVE?

The observers latitude determines at what angle the sun and the stars are perceived to rise. We are exactly half way between the North pole and the equator (45 degrees N). A culture’s latitude determines their perception of the sky. The sky looks different at 55 degrees North latitude than it does near the equator (0 degrees).

Topics

• Mesoamerican writing systems
• Mesoamerican governments
• Mesoamerican religions
• The Maya Calendar System
• The Collapse of the Maya
• Archaeological reconstruction of Maya and Zapotec political organization
• How the Sky Works
• Definitions
• References Cited
• Home
  

The Temple of the Sun at Teotihuacan (Aztec, central Mexico)
Copyrighted photograph taken by Clive Ruggles

Articles © 1997 Kevin L. Callahan

Email: call0031@tc.umn.edu