Archaeoastronomy is the study of the cosmological knowledge of ancient cultures, as revealed by texts, calendrical systems, monuments, and other ancient artifacts.
It does not deal with astrological or mythical lore, except as they might show awareness of particular cosmological phenomena.
As a recognized field of scientific study, it operates within the speculative limits of mainstream physical and historical science: that is, it does not postulate such things as ancient astronauts, extraterrestrial visitors, mystical wisdom, magical locations, Atlantis, etc. All such subjects are covered in Astroarchaeology (or other subcategories of Science/Anomalies_and_Alternative_Science.)
Photograph of a sandstone artifact from Palo Alto California, and text which argues that marking carved into it are native represenations of the Big Dipper and Little Dipper. http://snyder_kas.home.mindspring.com/Indian_Stones.html
Cesare Berrini's hypotheses concerning the relationships between bas-relief carvings on the Gateway of the Sun, the annual solar cycle, and geometric time measurement. http://www.mtsn.tn.it/astrofili/mat/puerta/
A project to build a stone circle aligned to the sunrises and sunsets of the solstices and equinoxes, as well as the north pole star, for use by the community as a tool for education and outreach. http://www.umass.edu/sunwheel/index2.html
The earliest dioptra (c.300 BCE) was a device for measuring the angle, in parts of a "Sign", between two celestial objects. Photos and descriptions of how to make one and how they work. http://members.tripod.com/Bluestar_4/Dioptra.html
A comprehensive introduction to archaeoastronomy including a look at various people groups and case studies of sites. http://library.thinkquest.org/C0118421
Referenced article exploring this ancient Japanese kofun (burial mound). Astrological charts have been determined from the "star paintings" inside the tomb. http://www2.gol.com/users/stever/kitora.htm
An archaeoastronomy book by William H. Calvin of the University of Washington. The book, which describes a dozen ways of predicting eclipses, can be purchased or downloaded for personal reading at no charge. http://faculty.washington.edu/wcalvin/bk6/
The BBC reports that astronomer Dr Philip Stooke has found a map of the moon in an Irish tomb that pre-dates the earliest known one by about 5000 years. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/325290.stm
A guide the megalithic monuments of Scotland and their astronomical alignments. Also contains illustrations, a bibliography and suggestions for the best times of year to visit. http://www.stonesofwonder.com/
An article from "British Archaeology" magazine arguing for an astronomical motive for the building of some cursus monuments in prehistoric Britain. http://www.britarch.ac.uk/ba/ba69/feat1.shtml
An interdisciplinary course on cultural astronomy. The course has a goal of imparting an understanding of basic astronomical phenomena and an appreciation of their cultural significance throughout the world. http://www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/teaching/heavenly.shtml
A project run by the Sophia Trust to advance the scholarly study of astrology and cultural astronomy in British institutions of higher education. http://www.sophia-project.org.uk/
Homepage of Paul Curnow with information on native astronomies, in particular the astronomy of the Aboriginal people of Australia. http://ching.apana.org.au/~paulc/index.html
Explains how the alignment of some of the temples illustrated the spring solar equinox, the relationship to the stories of the gods, and the calendar systems. http://www.artcamp.com.mx/AZ/1.html
New information and research about the astronomy of the Irish Stone Age, plus sections on the movements of the heavenly bodies and links to other sites. http://www.mythicalireland.com/astronomy/index.html
Features a collaborative project between SECEF, Ideum, the NPS, other organizations, and individuals. Contains an overview, photos, a timeline, news, credits, and contact information. http://www.traditionsofthesun.org/
Homepage of the Hanwakan Center, organized for the gathering of traditions and stories born of mankind's interaction with the physical environment and his understanding of the relationship between earth and sky. http://www.hanwakan.org
The NASA site for Sun-Earth day 2005 (March 20). The theme is 'Ancient Observatories, Timeless Knowledge'. Includes webcasts. http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/
