Journal or Publication Title:

Բյուրականի աստղադիտարանի հաղորդումներ: Երևանի աստղադիտարանի բյուլետեն = Сообщения Бюраканской обсерватории. Бюллетень ереванской Астрономической обсерватории = Contributions from the Burakan observatory. Bulletin of the Erevan astronomical observatory

Date of publication:

2022

Volume:

69

Number:

2

ISSN:

2579-2276

Coverage:

324-339

Abstract:

The paper provides some general information on the recent studies of the “Zorats Qarer” megalithic monument, in particular, some “observational instruments” and the possible observational methodology. Several types of “observational tools” are described, namely “observational platforms” that have their own “guiding stones”, stones with holes and the so-called “angular stones”. Observational “stone tools” of the “mixed type” (multifunctional) were also found in the monument. Recent studies have also shown that the observations were made in 3 main positions: standing, sitting (“on the seating platform”) and kneeling. With the help of the mentioned instruments, apart from the sunrise and sunset of the solstices and equinoxes, the heliacal rising and setting of bright stars, as well as their acronycal rising and cosmical setting were observed in the monument as well. In addition to the mentioned phenomena, apparent appearance and disappearance of stars at the points above the horizon were observed. The observers were also interested in the transitions of the stars in their upper and lower (for circumpolar stars) culmination points. The mentioned “technologies” were mainly used between the 9th and 3rd millennia BC.

Format:

pdf

Identifier:

oai:arar.sci.am:359503

Language:

en

General note:

Communications of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (ComBAO) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which publishes research in observational and theoretical astronomy/astrophysics and presents recent advances in these fields. It is being published by the NAS RA V. Ambartsumian Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) in English in electronic form. The journal publishes original papers, review papers, brief reports, book reviews, special communications, observational and theoretical results in various fields of astronomy and related sciences, and some editorial notes, including anniversaries and obituaries. Under the heading “Legacy”, the renewed magazine will republish some old articles of high value in English. The heading “Guest articles” will bring to the attention of readers the articles of researchers who are not employees of BAO. ComBAO was founded in 1946 and regularly published in 1946-1990. However, the publication was interrupted because of the economic situation after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Location of original object:

ՀՀ ԳԱԱ Հիմնարար գիտական գրադարան