Getting Oriented with Chaco Canyon

Come observe the horizon cycles of the Sun and Moon, and see their incorporation into the architecture of Chaco Canyon through the projection of our fulldome planetarium.

In the planetarium, you’ll observe the motion of the Sun on the horizon to learn its annual pattern of rising and setting. You’ll then observe this same horizon pattern of the Moon, but with a monthly cadence. Having cut your lunisolar teeth, you’ll go on to notice the Moon’s more subtle 18.6-year horizon cycle.

The Ancestral Puebloans understood these solar/lunar cycles and incorporated them into the architecture of Chaco Canyon, which was a major cultural hub in northwestern New Mexico (circa AD 900-1150). You’ll see for yourself these astronomical alignments expressed in the orientations, internal geometries, and inter-building relationships of the Chacoan architectural complexes and outlier sites. You’ll leave inspired by the ancient astronomers and architects of northern New Mexico, and you’ll be prepared for your own informed visit to Chaco Canyon.

About the Presenter:

Greg Salvesen is an astronomer at LANL. He looks forward to sharing evidence published by the Solstice Project that the Ancestral Puebloans expressed their astronomy knowledge through their architecture in Chaco Canyon.

Admission: $8/adult; $6/child; $20/family
Nature Center doors open at 6:45pm.
Planetarium events in general are not recommended for children under 5.

Photo: Star trails over Casa Rinconada. (Credit: National Park Service; D. Davis)