On Inca astronomical instruments: the observatory at Inkaraqay – El Mirador (National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu, Peru)

Fernando Astete Victoria,Mariusz Ziółkowski,Jacek Kościuk

doi:10.36447/estudios2017.v36-37.art1

Fernando Astete Victoria, Mariusz Ziółkowski + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.36447/estudios2017.v36-37.art1

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Abstract

Th is article is dedicated to a special category of structures that may be called “astronomical instruments”, constructed in the Inca Empire (ca. 14-16 c. AD). As mentioned in some sources, these were intended for use by a small group of priests-astronomers. A good example is Intimachay in Machu Picchu, which was recently re-designated as an astronomical observatory, far more complex and precise than was previously believed. Th e discovery of Inkaraqay – El Mirador, a second structure, even more complicated than Intimachay and erected for the purpose of precise astronomical observation, confi rms the importance of the knowledge of the skies in the running of the Incan Empire.

Highlights

This article is dedicated to a special category of structures that may be called “astronomical instruments”, constructed in the Inca Empire
Astronomy and administration in the Inca Empire The rapid expansion of the Inca Empire, from a small polity in the Cuzco region to an empire running the length of the Andes, created tremendous pressure on Incan social and political institutions
The study In August 2012, the personnel of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu carried out archaeological research at Inkaraqay

Summary

The study

In August 2012, the personnel of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu carried out archaeological research at Inkaraqay. - Drawing a detailed topographical plan and architectural cross-sections, based on the scan results and photogrammetry. By changing the eye position, the observer can expand the horizontal field of view from 54.5o to 59.5o in case of the northern opening and from 57.75o to 62.25o for the southern one (in the middle niche). In both cases, the horizon line (and the related visible part of the sky) is determined by the summit and slopes of the Yanantin mountain (Fig. 2 right, 13). Stellarium 0.12.4 and Cartes du Ciel (Sky Charts) 3.8 software were used for the simulation

The function of the observation openings

References cited