Yucatan Equinox

[tadpole]

Sunrise March 20, 2005. Ruins in the Yucatan

http://ReallyNeed.smugmug.com/photos/19046652-L.jpg

[Phil U.]

That intrigues me. Can you give us some more information on the structure in the photo? It appears that it may have been built for the purpose of determining when the equinox has occurred. Am I close?

[bfjr]

Yes please, more info?
It is obiviously very moving for the people there.

[tadpole]

That intrigues me. Can you give us some more information on the structure in the photo? It appears that it may have been built for the purpose of determining when the equinox has occurred. Am I close?
http://www.yucatantoday.com/events/eng-equinoxdzibil.htm

March 21 at 5 AM is the official day and exact time of the height of the spring equinox. This also marks the time that the sun sends its beams through the Temple of the Seven Dolls at Dzibilchaltun.

The Mayan city of Dzibilchaltun is located 20 kilometers north of Merida (http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-merida.htm). This archeological site doesn't have the giant pyramids of the better known sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, but is does have its own special claims to fame. These include the placement of monuments that take advantage of the equinoxes and solstices, the beautiful "museum of the village" Museo del Pueblo, the refreshing cenote where you can take a swim and the Franciscan chapel building at the entrance that blends in with the ruins.

[Phil U.]

http://www.yucatantoday.com/events/eng-equinoxdzibil.htm

Thanks for the info - pretty cool stuff.