Maya Astronomy
Maya astronomy is the study of celestial phenomena by the ancient Maya civilization, known for their sophisticated understanding of the cosmos. They meticulously observed the movements of the sun, moon, and planets, using this knowledge to create precise calendars, like the Tzolk'in and Haab', which governed agricultural and ritual activities. The Maya also built observatories, such as at Uxmal, to track celestial events. Their astronomy was deeply intertwined with their culture, religion, and daily life, reflecting a holistic worldview where celestial cycles influenced both terrestrial and spiritual matters. Their achievements in astronomy were remarkably advanced for their time.
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Maya astronomy was a sophisticated system used by the ancient Maya civilization to understand celestial movements and cycles. They meticulously observed the sun, moon, planets, and stars, which were integral to their agricultural practices and religious beliefs. The Maya developed a complex calendar system, including the Tzolk'in (260-day ritual calendar) and the Haab' (365-day solar calendar), both aligned with astronomical events. Their knowledge of astronomy enabled them to predict solar eclipses and track planetary movements, reflecting their deep connection to the cosmos and its influence on daily life and seasonal changes.