At Morelos

2009, International Year of Astronomy

The Night of Stars 2009 is a celebration that invites general public to Prehispanic archaeological sites to watch the stars through telescopes, with the advise of hundreds of amateur and professional astronomers. In addition, there will be archaeoastronomy conferences and narration of legend and myths by actors of the group La Biznaga.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 2009 the International Year of Astronomy. In Mexico, celebrations begin in January 31st, when more than 20 archaeological and historical sites will host gatherings to watch the firmament as our ancestors did.

“The Night of Stars 2009. The Sky of Our Ancestors”, is a French-Mexican scientific divulgation project, part of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) 70th anniversary celebrations. The event is jointly organized with the Embassy of France in Mexico, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and The National Polytechnic Institute (IPN).

The Distrito Federal Institute of Science and Technology (ICyTDF), the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics (INAOE), associations of amateur astronomers, the Mexican Federation of French Alliances and the French-Mexican theater company La Biznaga also collaborate with the project.

In November 22nd 2008, the organization committee conducted a general test of the Night of Stars at Xochicalco Archaeological Site, Morelos, where archaeologists, astronomers, actors and general public participated.

INAH general director, Alfonso de Maria y Campos, welcomed assistants of the test event also hosted by the ambassador of France in Mexico, Daniel Parfait.

Marco Antonio Santos, director of the archaeological zone, said that Xochicalco was chosen to perform the general test because this city’s astronomical antecedents are well documented.

“The city of Xochicalco is a reflection of the universe; it was constructed based on cosmic alignment. Investigations suggest that wise astronomers from all Mesoamerica met here every certain time to synchronize calendars. In addition, it is one of the few Prehispanic zones where observation constructions conserve almost intact”.

He explained that the purpose of the test is to show all the participant sites how the Night of the Stars must develop, and measures to be taken, such as security operatives similar to the ones implemented during the spring equinox in the main archaeological sites of the country.

The proposal includes enjoying the zone out of the normal schedule, at night, when the sky can be fully appreciated. These observations allow understanding how the city was designed under standards of cosmic observation, he stated.

Other sites that participate in the Night of the Stars in January 31st 2009 are Edzna, Campeche; Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas; Teotihuacan and Calixtlahuaca, Estado de Mexico; El Vallecito, Baja California; Plazuelas, Guanajuato; La Pintada, Sonora; Dzibichaltun, Yucatan; Tzintzuntzan, in Michoacn; Monte Alban, Oaxaca; Cholula, Puebla; El Cerrito, Queretaro; Xochitecatl, Tlaxcala; and La Quemada, Zacatecas.