MACHU PICCHU page 20

Temple of the Sun and the Winter Solstice Sunrise

The winter solstice sunrise was an important event for the Inca. It was determined approximately by noting a mountain peak marker as the sun rises. The moment of sunrise is captured here. Mount Yanantin is the sharp pointed peak on the left.

On solstices the sun appears to us on earth to rise and set at the same spot several days before the solstice and several days after.

Archaeoastronomers are not certain how the Inca determined the precise day of the solstice but the phenomenon, shown on the next page, at the Temple of the Sun probably contributed to the calculation.


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l Introduction l Main Gate l Guardhouse l Temple of the Sun l Sacred Plaza l Intiwatana l Sacred Rock l Plaza Walk l Temple of the Condor l Exit l Bibliography l MAP lContents l Homel