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Anasazi solar marker: The use of a natural rockfall

Science
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Abstract

The midday "sun dagger" solstice and equinox marker on Fajada Butte in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, is formed by three sandstone slabs that collimate sunlight onto two spiral petroglyphs. The slabs appear to be the result of a natural rockfall and not a construct of the Chacoan Anasazi. Although neither the rockfall nor the petroglyphs can be dated accurately, it is likely that the petroglyphs were designed after the rockfall by people who observed the details of the light pattern for several annual cycles. Copyright ?? 1982 AAAS.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Anasazi solar marker: The use of a natural rockfall
Series title Science
Volume 217
Issue 4564
Year Published 1982
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Science
First page 1036
Last page 1038
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