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Summary: The most astonishing astronomical device of the ancient Americas
Comment: Narrated by Robert Redford and with comments by Joseph Campbell, this documentary shows how the artist Anna Sofaer stumbled across what is without question the most astonishing astronomical device of the ancient Americas. More than a thousand years ago, the Anasazi, in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, set three slabs of stone at the top of Fajada Butte and inscribed two spirals on the rockface below. The positioning of the slabs produces daggers of light on the spirals that indicate the first day of winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The way light falls on the large spiral at moonrise also indicates the progress of the 19-year cycle of the Moon. The perfect meeting of the Sun, the Moon, the Earth, and Time.
The more you know about astronomy, the more jaw-dropping this is, but no special knowledge is necessary because the documentary clearly explains the motion of the Sun and the Moon. Suitable for high school and up.
If you were in high school in the 1980s, especially if you are from the Southwest, you may already know about The Sun Dagger, but if not, it has probably completely escaped your attention.
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Summary: Archeo-astronomy?.....Naaa its Magic!
Comment: I first saw this many years ago on PBS TV. It was so inspiring that I made the trek myself to Chaco Canyon during the summer solstice. Being an amateur astronomer the adventure introduced me to the field of archeoastronomy. I am forever grateful that I have been able to experience the awe and magic that still remains from a civilization that existed over 800 years ago. For me, this film is about the North American equivalent to "Stonehenge."
Though typical visitors are not allowed near the dagger stone itself there are still many other solstice and celestial markers in the canyon. Putting aside all logical, scientific, archeological, and historical recommendations this place is just plane "magic!" Check it out.
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Summary: If you love archaeology, this is for you
Comment: Wathcing this video as a child is the reason I am now in graduate school studying archaeology in New Mexico! This video is full of academic information, but has mass appeal. Narrated by Robert Redford, some wonderful music accompanies the panoramic shots. Delightful introduction to a part of Chaco Canyon the typical visitor is no longer allowed to see as the stones have moved, and the sun dagger site is now closed to foot traffic.
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