July 20, 2005

Only once in every 18.6 years, the northernmost moon rise of its cycle lines up with the axis of the earthen mounds in southern Ohio. 2000 years ago, Native Americans constructed circular and octagonal mounds, or earthworks, near what is now Newark Ohio. Astronomer Ray Hively and philosopher Robert Horn looked for reasons why the mounds and walls were built and oriented in this way.

The mounds at Newark were built during the Woodlands period (roughly 400 BCE-1000 CE). My sons' "open" high school (affectionately known as Commie High) in Ann Arbor was started in part in homage to the Earthworks in Ohio. We've visited this area many times, but just recently a Native American scholar, Kimberli Lee here told me about the alignment that will take place this fall.

posted by deconstructo 19 years ago
  • Thanks for the post, deconstructo! This is great! I'm going to give some serious thought as to showing up in October. Seems like a very worthy road-trip...
  • I'm pretty sure that Mrs. deconstructo and I will be there. The Hopewell mounds are interesting on their own--the moonrise (hope for a clear sky) will be that much more special.
  • OMG. I did not realize that today is the anniversary of the US moon landing! Perhaps I was channelling Buzz Aldrin or something.
  • Can you channel someone who's not dead? Or did I miss the memo? Just a sec -- let me try. *Concentrates super-hard, decks film-maker* Hmm. Maybe you can, maybe you can...
  • Can you channel someone who's not dead? Of course! Whadd'ya think the tinfoil hat is for? Mine is a combination transponder-antenna and reception-blocker. Duh.
  • So THAT'S what it was! I was trying to channel you, but was foiled by foil! Foil, my foe, we meet again. Next time, victory will be miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnne..! *blasts off into sunset*
  • Allright -- I'm definitely going. Deconstructo -- do you know if I have to sign up anywhere? I looked on the site, and it doesn't mention anything about it...
  • Just a PSA to the monkeys -- there are more moonrise events happening on October 11th, and later on the 14th as well. I did it last year, and although those selfish pricks at the country club kept it all to themselves by claiming the ground was all soggy from rain, the explanatory lectures and bus tours completely blew my mind. Highly recommended.