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:

2025

Volume:

72

Number:

1

ISSN:

2579-2276

Coverage:

139-144

Abstract:

This study aims to reinterpret the spatial relationship between the central Pillars 18 and 31 of Enclosure D at Portasar (Göbekli Tepe), considering it as a potential practical instrument for determining the summer solstice and equinoxes. A shadow-tracking simulation was conducted using positional data from the Pillars, architectural plans, and the Stellarium 24 astronomical software. The mutual positions of the Pillars’ shadows were examined during the four key dates of the year—winter and summer solstices, and the vernal and autumn equinoxes, at sunrise and sunset. The results show that only at sunrise on the summer solstice do the shadows align in such a way that a light-filled gap appears between the Pillars, directed southwest. During the equinoxes, the shadows produce a “gating” effect—opening at sunrise and close at sunset. The “H” and “I” symbols carved on Pillar 18 (as well as on other Pillars at the site) may correspond to the horizontal and vertical trajectories of the observed shadows. Furthermore, a visual correlation is observed between the imagery on a carved bone spatula and the sunrise during the summer solstice. These findings suggest a potential shadow-based calendrical application for the Pillars.

Format:

pdf

Identifier:

oai:arar.sci.am:425927

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:

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