New media applications and their potential for the advancement of public perceptions of archaeoastronomy and for the testing of archaeoastronomical hypotheses

Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.6, No.3, 2006, pages 181-184

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181-184
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Articles
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Abstract:
This paper looks at the use of astronomical programmes and the development of new media modellingtechniques as a means to better understand archaeoastronomy. The paper also suggests thatthese new methods and technologies are a means of furthering the public perceptions of archaeoastronomyand the important role that 'astronomy' played in the history and development of human culture.This discussion is rooted in a computer simulation ofStonehenge and its land and skyscape. Theintegration of the astronomy software allows viewing honzon astronomical alignments in relation todigitally recreated Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (EBA) monumental architecture. This work shows howmodern virtual modelling techniques can be a tool for testing archaeoastronomical hypotheses, as wellas a demonstrative tool for teaching and promoting archaeoastronomy in mainstream media
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Keywords:
3D, Computer Simulation, Virtual Environment, Phenomenology, Stonehenge, Celestia