Scientists Reveal How the Maya Predicted Eclipses for Centuries
9 days ago
- #solar eclipses
- #Dresden Codex
- #Maya civilization
- The Dresden Codex, a medieval Maya text, contains advanced methods for predicting solar eclipses.
- Maya civilization used celestial events to guide societal and religious practices, including bloodletting ceremonies during eclipses.
- Researchers John Justeson and Justin Lowry propose a new method for interpreting the Dresden Codex's eclipse prediction table.
- Their method suggests starting a new table at the 358th month of the current one, correcting small errors over time.
- This approach would have allowed Maya daykeepers to accurately predict solar eclipses between 350 and 1150 CE.
- The findings highlight the Maya's advanced mathematics and spiritual connection to the cosmos.