SOUTHWEST SEMINARS: The Sun, Moon, and Supernova at Chimney Rock and Beyond

Presented by: Dr. J. McKim Malville

Professor Emeritus, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences; Vice President European Society for Astronomy in Culture; Former Chair, Department of Astrogeophysics and Former Director, College Honors Program, University of Colorado

After a break of nearly two decades the moon is again rising between the twin towers of Chimney Rock, Colorado. This remarkable sight of the sacred moon rising between the two spires, known to be a shrine to the Twin War Gods, in the years A.D. 1076 and 1093, may have meanings of considerable depth to the residents of the mesa and visitors. The Greathouse on the upper mesa is unusual in its trapezoidal shape and appears related to two astronomical sightlines: June solstice sunrise and the A.D. 1054 supernova.