Ruins in Tikal, Guatemala, exhibit the alignment with astrological phenomena shared by ancient structures in many locations around the world.
Scientists have studied ancient, man-made structures that demonstrate alignments with astronomical patterns in such diverse locations as England, Guatemala, Egypt and at least four separate sites within Mexico. Astrological events such as changes affecting the surface of the sun or a meteor collision with the earth's surface can have dramatic effects on life on our planet. On a day-to-day basis, humanity still uses astronomical observations as the basis of such everyday functions as time-keeping and navigation through the use of devices such as global positioning systems.
Observation: Cultural Influence
Stonehenge, a more commonly known ancient site, shows a different cultural influence on construction of astronomically aligned structures.
The study and observation of celestial cycles through astronomy can lead to study and observation concerning astronomical naming conventions and processes applied by different cultures throughout history. Another area of astronomical observation related to cultural influence involves the examination and study of how different cultures constructed buildings and other structures in ways that relate to astronomical events. These observations concerning structures can involve structures intended to measure astronomical cycles or simply incorporating themes related to celestial or astronomical events into d cor.
Observations: Astronomical-Geological
Astronomical influences may factor into earthquake occurrences and the accompanying destruction.
Another area of astronomical study involves an examination of the relationship between astronomical events or cycles and geological events. Observations in this category can involve consideration of circumstances as routine as the relationship of daily and monthly tide ebb and flow in relation to the moon's rotation. Observations in this category of geological study can also incorporate examining issues involving the complexity of potential influences of astronomical activity on evolution. Additional areas of observation in this category of astronomical study involve the effect of celestial events on such processes as flooding and of the shift of portions of the earth's crust, known as plate techtonics.
Theory: Prehistoric Extinction
Glacial formations widespread enough to cause an ice age may have originated with an asteriod impacting the earth.
An area of astronomical study concerned with theory development involves the area of prehistoric species extinction. Scientists have studied evidence suggesting that the mass extinction of dinosaurs and other species that died off about 65 million years ago has a root cause in an astronomical event. Scientists have concluded from evidence that a collision between the earth and a small asteroid occurred during this age. Scientists theorize that this collision resulted in a dust cloud that spread across the surface of the earth and created an ice age and, ultimately, caused the demise of thousands of animal species.
Theories: Solar System
Solar flares evidence locations of temperature volatility affecting the sun's surface.
Astronomers study the surface of the sun using special instruments called spectrographs. These instruments allow scientists to determine through color-coding the surface temperature of the sun at different locations on that surface. Scientists also calculate the sun's likely life cycle through comparison with other stars of various ages. From these observations and calculations, astronomers can theorize that the sun will become much hotter over time, as well as expand in size. Scientists also deal in theories concerning the planets as well as the sun. For example, astronomers consider the possibility that some plant life on earth may have arisen through seeds that arrived on earth by way of a comet. Astronomers also may work with theories concerning the possibility of life on other planets. Consideration by scientists regarding life on other planets may explore potential means of communication with civilizations that exist elsewhere than on earth.
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