For the ancient Maya civilization in Mexico and Central America, solar eclipses were viewed as signs of clashes between the gods and omens of possible destruction.
The Maya were skilled astronomers who kept detailed records of the movements of the sun, moon, and stars using advanced calendars and mathematics. They could predict solar eclipses based on patterns they observed.
Maya priests and scribes recorded their astronomical knowledge in codices like the Dresden Codex. This contains tables tracking the moon’s nodes and eclipse seasons that indicate the Maya could predict solar eclipses.
In Maya cosmology, the sun god Kinich Ahau represented order and prosperity while his brother Venus (the morning star) represented war. Solar eclipses were seen as Kinich Ahau being attacked by Venus.
Rituals like bloodletting and burning offerings were performed by Maya royalty during eclipses to strengthen Kinich Ahau and ensure the cycles of creation, destruction and renewal continued smoothly.
Viewing the upcoming 2024 solar eclipse that will cross Mexico and the US allows us to experience astronomy in the way ancient cultures like the Maya did and understand their cosmological beliefs surrounding eclipses.
Source: theconversation
