Question

As astronomers, the Egyptians identified many of the fixed stars and invented instruments to calculate the movements of others. When they laid the foundation of a temple or pyramid, they determined the_____ by the stars. The Great Pyramid at Giza is aligned so its slopes face the cardinal points of the compass almost exactly.

a) Gravity
b) Alignment
c) Mass
d) Structure

Answer 1

The ancient Egyptians determined the alignment of temples and pyramids by the stars, with the Great Pyramid of Giza aligning almost exactly with the cardinal points. Thuban was significant due to Earth's precession making it a pole star around 5000 years ago. More stars are circumpolar at higher latitudes because the celestial pole appears higher in the sky.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the ancient Egyptians laid the foundation of a temple or pyramid, they determined the alignment by the stars. The Great Pyramid at Giza is particularly famous for its precise alignment with the cardinal points of the compass. The Egyptians, as well as other ancient civilizations, placed great importance on astronomy, using it to guide religious ceremonies, inform leaders, and navigate.

The star Thuban would have been important to the ancient Egyptians due to the precession of the Earth, which changes the position of the north celestial pole over time. About 5000 years ago, Thuban was located close to the pole, making it a key point in the night sky for alignments.

Furthermore, the reason more stars are circumpolar at higher latitudes is because the celestial pole appears higher in the sky, meaning that a larger circle of stars never sets, revolving around the pole.