Teotihuacan's 'Pyramid of the Moon' is aligned with the solstice sun, researchers argue

Teotihuacan's 'Pyramid of the Moon' in Mexico might possibly align with the solstice sun, according to a recent study conducted by a research team. Teotihuacán, an ancient city with a vibrant history and thriving population, existed between approximately 100 B.C. and A.D. 800. One of its most prominent structures, the "Pyramid of the Moon," was constructed in various stages from A.D. 1 to 350 and is positioned at the end of the "Causeway of the Dead," a central thoroughfare within the city.

To assess the alignment of the pyramid with the sun, the research team employed a comprehensive range of measurements, including data collected from drone flights. The analysis revealed that during the summer solstice, which occurs around June 20 to 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, the northeast corner of the Pyramid of the Moon lines up with the rising sun over the El Xihuingo volcano. In contrast, during the winter solstice (around December 21 to 22), the southwest corner of the pyramid aligns with the setting sun behind a hill. These findings suggest a connection between the pyramid and the movement of the celestial bodies.

Highlighting an intriguing observation, the researchers noted that the proximity of El Xihuingo volcano holds astronomical importance in Teotihuacán. The volcano's slopes house an archaeological site called Xihuingo, renowned for its petroglyphs known as dotted crosses. These petroglyphs are speculated to have served as astronomical markers.

Interestingly, the alignment of the Pyramid of the Moon also influenced the overall orientation of the city of Teotihuacán itself. The remarkable reticular design of the city appears to have followed the same canonical orientation established by the pyramid. Various monuments situated parallel to the Pyramid of the Moon may have replicated this preferred orientation.

It's worth noting a curious aspect of nomenclature related to the pyramid. Despite being known as the "Pyramid of the Moon," it appears to follow the alignment of the solstice sun instead. Aarón González Benítez, an archaeoastronomer at the National School of Anthropology and History in Mexico and a member of the research team, addressed this discrepancy. He explained that the Mexica people, who founded the Aztec Empire, bestowed the name "Pyramid of the Moon" on the structure, long after the city’s abandonment. The original inhabitants of Teotihuacán might have had a different name for the pyramid, but that information remains unknown.

In addition, Teotihuacán boasts another renowned pyramid called the "Pyramid of the Sun." The team's research suggests that the northeast and southwest corners of this pyramid align with the lunar standstills, commonly referred to as "lunistices." These events occur when the moon reaches its highest and lowest points in the sky.

While some aspects of the research findings were supported by earlier studies, there are experts who express differing opinions. Steven Gullberg, a professor of cultural astronomy at the University of Oklahoma, acknowledged the significance of the discovered alignments but looks forward to the debates that will ensue among astronomy specialists. Ivan Sprajc, the head of the Institute of Anthropological and Spatial Studies at the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, remains skeptical about the intentional solstice alignment of the Pyramid of the Moon due to the modifications made during its construction, noting that its earliest phase had a different orientation.

The research team is currently compiling their results into a book, which will provide a comprehensive account of their findings. They have also released a documentary to share their discoveries with the public.

Earlier, SSP wrote about the 12,500-year-old Amazon rock art unveils ancestral connection with wildlife.