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Astronomical orientation of the pyramids

Author

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  • Dennis Rawlins

    (DIO, The International Journal of Scientific History)

  • Keith Pickering

    (Analysts International Corporation)

Abstract

Spence speculates that Egypt's pyramid builders found true north by using a plumb line: when the stars Kochab and Mizar were seen on the same vertical, one was facing north1. As evidence in support of this hypothesis, she points to the proposed interstar-line precession past the north celestial pole at a rate of 27′ per century (cy). We argue that a mathematical error affects this result, which when corrected points more strongly to a different pair of stars. This suggests that the conventional ancient chronology, instead of being compressed, may actually have to be expanded slightly.

Suggested Citation

  • Dennis Rawlins & Keith Pickering, 2001. "Astronomical orientation of the pyramids," Nature, Nature, vol. 412(6848), pages 699-699, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:412:y:2001:i:6848:d:10.1038_35089138
    DOI: 10.1038/35089138
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