The Earthworks probably served as tools to track moon phases.
We don’t know why, but we do know that ‘direction’ was clearly important to the designers of the Earthworks. Somehow, without today’s direction tools and software programs, the Earthworks Builders, who were astute observers of the sky, used the moon and the sun, as a fixed and cyclical point of reference, for direction and to navigate. Using their same tools — the moon, sun, star and time — think about how to align your Earthworks project.
This video tells you an American Indian story about the importance of the moon.
Can you determine what phase the moon is in at this time where you live?
Can you determine where the sun rise and sunset will take place?
After watching the video above, read some more information about the moon phases such as the Farmer’s Almanac Moon Report and other information that would be helpful to you as you with this Challenge.
TAKE THE CHALLENGE
Is there a certain direction you’d like to plan for your Earthworks to face? Why? What does this mean to you? How might this be useful to others?
Once you determine this placement—document the moon and sun location in relationship to your earthwork as shown in the drawing at the top of this page.
Do you want to develop a story too?
If so, write a short story about the moon or sun and its importance to you and your Earthwork. List Resources that you utilized such as books or magazines include authors and dates, and websites by giving the address. Don’t forget to document the steps that you took to accomplish this challenge.
Learn More: Farmers Almanac Moon Report
