Birthday Sunrises on a Chaco Canyon Horizon

The eastern horizon as seen from one of the most astronomically remarkable structures in Chaco Canyon -- a Great Kiva that some call Casa Rinconada (Image Credit: NASA PUNCH Outreach, Duke Johnson)
Image credit: NASA PUNCH Outreach, Duke Johnson

This tabletop activity features the eastern horizon as seen from one of the most astronomically remarkable structures in Chaco Canyon -- a Great Kiva that some call Casa Rinconada. There are many different names for the place given by the 21 Native American tribes who have historical and ancestral connections to Chaco. This activity invites participants to consider how the sunrise position on the eastern horizon changes throughout the year and how this can be used to create a so-called “horizon calendar.” Their inquiry is guided by a live facilitator.

  • Facilitator Guide (PDF, 2 MB)
  • Download: Tabletop Poster (36x12in PNG, 48x16in PNG)
    • Printing Instructions: Send your preferred size of Tabletop Poster file to a printing company of your choice. For best and most durable results, we recommend that it be laminated with a matte finish.
  • Download: Slides for Display or Presentation (PDF, 1 MB)

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