Applying STK Software to Archaeoastronomy

Archaeoastronomy studies the architecture of ancient sights as they relate to astronomical alignments. STK (Satellite Tool Kit) is a software program developed by Analytical Graphics Incorporated (AGI) and used by the Aerospace Industry to model and visualize aerospace and military missions.  We believe that STK can be used to model the astronomical alignments of key archeological sites. For example, the “Carocol“ of the Chichen Itza Mayan complex demonstrates a number of intriguing alignments.

Our project is a proof of concept that we can use STK to visualize and analyze ancient monuments’ astronomical alignments. Inputting data collected from books, journals, AGI developers and other college resources, we rendered scale models of the Pyramid “Kukulkan” and “El Caracol” utilizing Light Wave, a 3-D modeling program. The scale model of the archeological site is then inserted into the STK scenario at the appropriate coordinates, altitude, and orientation. Vectors are plotted to point from an observation point within the site to the celestial bodies listed above. The results demonstrate clear practical applications of the STK software outside of its intended purpose. Scientific merit is shown with the ability to visualize the cosmology of ancient peoples. Using the STK software we can gain a greater appreciation for the sophistication of our ancestors. Additional studies and analysis using the combined programs could reveal previously hidden astronomical alignments of other ancient sites. Due to its innovative capability the use of STK could revolutionize the field of Archaeoastronomy