Ancient Maya Astronomy at the Carnegie Science Center this past weekend

[Miguel Sague Jr]

 

Greetings my relatives
This past Saturday March 24 2012 I was scheduled by the Carnegie
Science Center of Pittsburgh to offer a presentation in the
state-of-the-art Bhul Planetarium on ancient Maya astronomy,
specifically the facts surrounding the ancient Maya passion for the cycles of the planet Venus (including the interesting coincidence of the rare Venus transit of the sun in June of this year) and also of course the much publicized end of the calendar cycle galactic
alignment and its relationship to era-transition prophecies.

Please note below the online publicity for this event:

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Space Out! Astronomy Weekend

No rocket? No problem! This space exploration is happening on Earth—right here in Pittsburgh! Observe Moon rocks and meteorites. See sunspots and other solar phenomena. Learn your way around the galaxy and catch up on the astronomy buzz.

This action-packed, two-day space mission is for stargazers of all ages.

Board the Infinity Express at the Buhl Digital Planetarium— a new show that explores the universe’s mysterious outer limits.

Plus, learn from astronomy experts and meet other space enthusiasts from the Science Center staff, along with members of two local astronomy clubs.

Out-Of-This-World Highlights Include:

• Safe Solar Observing
Saturday and Sunday, noon–3 pm
Back patio behind the café.
See sunspots and other solar phenomena and learn the proper techniques for safe ways to observe the sun. Weather permitting.

• Observatory Sky Watch
Friday and Saturday, 8:30–10 pm
Meet at first floor information desk.
Step out above the city lights in our rooftop observatory and use our 16-inch telescope for an amazing view of celestial. Just $1 per person. Weather permitting.

• Mayan Astronomy and the June Transit of Venus
Saturday, Noon
Buhl Digital Planetarium
Miguel Sague
In June, you’ll be able to see Venus travel in front of the sun. This rare occurrence would excite the ancient Mayans who were also fascinated by the 584-day Venus Cycle. Learn more about the ancient Mayan book, Dresden Codex.

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It's always excting to present these concepts with the benefit of the
planetarium's breath-taking overhead dome views of the Milky Way Galaxy
as it was seen by the Mayas of the year 100 BC and then as it appears
now on the morning of Dec 21 2012! also awesome animated images of the rising and setting of the planet Venus as morningstar and as eveningstar. I am infintely indebted to chief astronomer of the Carnegie, Dan Malerbo for putting this phenomenal piece of computerized equipment at the disposal of my Maya collaborator
and myself for this our encore presentation (we did a similar
presentation there in 2010).

It was also wonderful to share details of these concepts with
individual visitors face-to-face at the display table that Dan set up 

for us right outside the planetarium door for after the formal
presentation.

 

My sincere thanks to Dan and the whole crew down at the Carnegie
Science Center for all their kindess in giving us this opportunity to

share this ancient wisdom with our fellow Pittburghers.

 

Blessings

Miguel Sague