Sun-Earth Day Presents: Ancient Observatories, Timeless Knowledge
It's Not Too Late!
You can still enjoy the December 21st archived webcast, Chaco Canyon (Live from the Exploratorium) !
The Ancient Observatory theme for 2005 featured solar alignments with structures that mark the equinoxes and/or solstices. In partnership with the Exploratorium, Ideum, and NASA Connect, NASA's Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum produced video and webcast programming that has been shared with formal and informal education audiences nationally. The programs featured several sites including: Chaco Canyon (New Mexico), Hovenweep (Utah), and Chichen Itza (Mexico). Many of these sites present unique opportunities to develop authentic cultural connections to Native Americans, highlighting the importance of the Sun across the ages. We involved Sun-Earth Connection scientists, their missions, and research programs to share NASA solar research with diverse audiences.
Below is more specific information about the webcasts and broadcasts.
Broadcasts:
NASA CONNECT PRESENTS
Title: Ancient Observatories: Timeless Knowledge
Starts Airing: Thursday, March 17, 2005, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
NASA LIVE Event: Friday, April 22, 2005
With the use of technology (ancient, modern, and future), NASA scientists and astronomers will investigate how ancient civilizations worked to unlock the secrets of the Sun. Through the power of geometry, learn how light was used to provide a means of investigating the universe.
Mathematics concepts: Geometry
Science concepts: Space Science, History and Nature of Science
NASA Research: Sun-Earth Connection
Play Video Stream: Ancient Observatories: Timeless Knowledge
Select a video format below:
| Select a video format to watch: Real
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Education Pre-Activity: Sun-Earth Day 2005: A Special Day In Your Classroom
NASA Connect Activity: Episodes and Guides
Webcasts:
EXPLORATORIUM PRESENTS
Title: Ancient Observatories: Live from Chichen Itza
Featured Location: Chichen Itza, Mexico
Air Time: March 20, 2005
Join us in our recent celebration of the spring equinox! On March 20, 2005, the day and night were of equal length marking the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring. Like many ancient cultures, it is believed that the Mayans in Southern Mexico built solar alignments into their buildings to help mark auspicious days. Thousands of people gathered at a site called Chichen Itza, to witness one of these alignments: the appearance of a shadow, in the form of a serpent, that will descend the main staircase of the great pyramid. We provided a live feed from this site and talked to local scientists about the significance of this incredible event.
Play Video Stream: Observatories: Live from Chichen Itza
Education Pre-Activity: Sun-Earth Day 2005: A Special Day In Your Classroom
