The Solstice in Chaco Canyon

Does anyone here know of any, specific, archeolo-astronomical events there? That is to say, where can I go in the canyon to see shadows line up with petroglyphs on Dec. 21st?

Ask the National Park Service perhaps?

That would be the best bet, but I think Fajada Butte has some significance. The people who work out there are very knowledgeable. Chaco is a beautiful place, but the road in is pretty rough. You’ll want to go in from the north, as the south road is nearly impassable with sand wallows, etc. I’m assuming you’re aware that there are no accommodations out there, other than a campground, right?

Double post.

I apologize as it’s been a number of years since I was there, so my recollection is sketchy.
I seem to recall a “solar alignment” phenomenon (can’t remember if it was winter or summer, though) on a tower/column not too far from the visitor’s center. But relatively recently (like in the last 20 or so years), due to erosion, this rock shifted or fell over, and the phenomenon no longer occurs.

At the time I was there, you weren’t allowed to hike up to the point where you could even observe the phenomenon (even if it still occurred). Previously they would allow people up there, but all the erosion was becoming an issue.

Or wikipedia.

Nice username/question combo, but if you have to ask this question, we are going to have to ask you to change it. :slight_smile:

I’ll chime in only to share some interesting results for an image search on “chaco canyon solstice.” The sun shining through a vertical slit projecting a bright line on a wall with the man-made Chaco design looks very cool.

That would be Fajada Butte.

The solstice just paased. Did anyone here go?

Is there even a winter solstice alignment? I thought there was just a summer one.

Ahh, yeah, maybe there’s only the one.

Aliens must have abducted chacoguy.

I missed it this year, the roads were too bad.

The are solstice and equinox sites all over the canyon, as well as the greater Southwest.