2 years, 11 months ago
What constellations does the pyramids of Giza point towards?
Explain the Giza clock.
Separate topics with commas, or by pressing return. Use the delete or backspace key to edit or remove existing topics.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$1 Answer
They don't point towards any constellation. As pyramids, they point *up*, and whatever is at the zenith changes from night to night, depending upon where you are on Earth. (The zenith does not change much if you're on the north or south pole, but the Giza pyramids are far from the poles.)
What you may be indirectly thinking of is a theory by Robert Bauval and Adrian Gilbert, (but mostly Robert Bauval) in their book "The Orion Mystery" where they make several unusual theories based on what has been shown to be rather spotty, and often incorrect starting data and presumptions. Among these is that the *air shafts* within the great pyramid point towards various stars or constellations, and may have been used to provide light shining into the pyramid from stars.. This was shown in 1993 to be patently impossible by Rudolf Gantenbrink who sent a GPS-equipped robot up the shafts to map them. For one thing, the shafts are blocked, neither are they straight, and in Egypt any star shining upon the shaft would no longer shine upon it in short order due to the Earth's daily axial rotation. For really good information on this, go directly to Rudolf Gantenbrink's web page at http://www.cheops.org/ for more information on the Upuaut project.
Another of Bauval's theories is that the layout of the major pyramids at Giza resemble the layout of the three bright stars in the belt of the constellation Orion, shown in an impressive overlay photo pairing here: http://doernenburg.alien.de/alternativ/orion/ori00_e.php
Kate Spence argues well against this theory in "Astronomical Orientation of Pyramids" which appeared in Nature, available for purchase at: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v408/n6810/full/408320a0.html
So in short, the pyramids don't point at any particular constellation.
What you may be indirectly thinking of is a theory by Robert Bauval and Adrian Gilbert, (but mostly Robert Bauval) in their book "The Orion Mystery" where they make several unusual theories based on what has been shown to be rather spotty, and often incorrect starting data and presumptions. Among these is that the *air shafts* within the great pyramid point towards various stars or constellations, and may have been used to provide light shining into the pyramid from stars.. This was shown in 1993 to be patently impossible by Rudolf Gantenbrink who sent a GPS-equipped robot up the shafts to map them. For one thing, the shafts are blocked, neither are they straight, and in Egypt any star shining upon the shaft would no longer shine upon it in short order due to the Earth's daily axial rotation. For really good information on this, go directly to Rudolf Gantenbrink's web page at http://www.cheops.org/ for more information on the Upuaut project.
Another of Bauval's theories is that the layout of the major pyramids at Giza resemble the layout of the three bright stars in the belt of the constellation Orion, shown in an impressive overlay photo pairing here: http://doernenburg.alien.de/alternativ/orion/ori00_e.php
Kate Spence argues well against this theory in "Astronomical Orientation of Pyramids" which appeared in Nature, available for purchase at: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v408/n6810/full/408320a0.html
So in short, the pyramids don't point at any particular constellation.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Did you read my post before replying to it five months later? As I already mentioned, the theories postulated in the books you cite have been thoroughly debunked. It isn't terribly good science to blindly adhere to a single source without considering any of the critical review that a theory may receive. (Even if the theory is correct.)
Have you read, "The Orion Mystery: Unlocking the Secrets of the Pyramids?" or "The Message of the Sphinx: A Quest for the Hidden Legacy of Mankind?"
These authors have created a myth that the pyramids were created around 10,500 BCE. I don't think the Great pyramids were built in 10,500 but were built around 3,200 or 3,400 BCE.
However, I do think the Egyptian had an understanding of constellation movement and the Kings and Queens chamber point to the Sirius constellation and 3 stars of Orion and the reference the North star and the watch for Leo. The fact the Egyptians understand the movement of the constellation is amazing. I do think the Egyptians spiritual belief in an afterlife, resurrection, and eternal life is significant and represented in the structures and symbolism of their temples.