International Archeoastronomer comes to Carter Observatory

International Archeoastronomer comes to Carter Observatory

In association with Victoria University and the Society for Māori Astronomy, Research and Traditions (SMART), Carter Observatory hosts acclaimed British Archeoastronomer Clive Ruggles in a unique talk about Ancient Solar Observatories in two very different parts of the world. On Tuesday 28 October visitors to Carter will enjoy a planetarium show, telescope viewing (weather dependant) and a fascinating insight into Clive’s work at three unique sites.

Clive’s talk will begin at 7pm, but visitors are welcome to book into either the 6pm or 8pm planetarium show.

Archaeoastronomy is the study of beliefs and practice relating to the sky.

Clive’s talk will focus on three very different prehistoric monuments in Peru and Southern England. He will describe his archaeoastronomical work at each of these sites, including new discoveries that question our current view of their function and purpose, and illustrate the different roles of solar observations among the societies concerned.

Professor Clive Ruggles is an Emeritus Professor of Archeoastronomy from Leicester University in England. His research interests centre upon people's interests in, perceptions of, and uses of the sky and celestial objects in various social contexts. These topics are encapsulated in the fields of study that have become known as archaeastronomy and ethnoastronomy.

In 1999 Clive was appointed Professor of Archaeoastronomy within the School, the first such post in the world. He has worked in many parts of the world and published numerous books, papers and articles on subjects ranging from prehistoric Europe and pre-Columbian America to indigenous astronomies in Africa and elsewhere. He has ongoing fieldwork projects in Polynesia and Peru and co-ordinates, on behalf of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a joint initiative by UNESCO and the IAU working to promote, preserve, and protect the world's most important astronomical heritage sites.

General admission prices to the talk, planetarium show and telescope viewing apply.

Bookings for the talk are essential.
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