Posted on 12/21/2012 4:02:17 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Explanation: Welcome to the December solstice, a day the world does not end ... even according to the Mayan Calendar. To celebrate, consider this dramatic picture of Orion rising over El Castillo, the central pyramid at Chichén Itzá, one of the great Mayan centers on the Yucatán peninsula. Also known as the Temple of Kukulkan it stands 30 meters tall and 55 meters wide at the base. Built up as a series of square terraces by the pre-Columbian civilization between the 9th and 12th century, the structure can be used as a calendar and is noted for astronomical alignments. In fact, the Mayans were accomplished astronomers and mathematicians, accurately using the cyclic motions of the stars, Sun, Moon, and planets to measure time and construct calendars. Peering through clouds in this night skyscape, stars in the modern constellation Orion the Hunter represented a turtle in the Mayan sky.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit & Copyright: Stéphane Guisard (Los Cielos de America, TWAN); Credits: D. Flores and B. Pichardo (Inst. Astronomia UNAM), P. Sánchez and R. Nafate (INAH)]
Stupid Mayans.
Does anyone else remember “Chicken Itza?” Crumb.
I shot this image of M42 Orion Nebula not too long ago..
Looking closely at the image of the pyramid, this nebula can be seen as the small reddish point of light, just above and slightly to the left of the top of the pyramid and appears to be inline with 3 other stars.
What a disaster!
WHAT will the history Channel do for programs NOW?
cool!
Go back to their old programming about Hitler and Civil War (not necessarily on the same show).
Or maybe just shows about how aliens stopped the Mayan apocalypse.
The Military channel now caries those good ol’ WW2 and Civil War Documentaries.
Once the Mayan Apocalypse is averted the History channel can go back to the important business of reporting on the Swamp People, Cajun Pawn Stars, Moonshiners, and the Ax Men.
Where some see a mighty hunter, others see the Great A’Tuin.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
