Thursday, August 19, 2010

Kokino skies


The Megalithic Observatory Kokino is located in the north-eastern part of the Republic of Macedonia, at 19km to the northeast of the town Kumanovo and in the vicinity of the village Kokino.
The more detailed archaeo-astronomical research carried out in the following two years showed that the locality has all the characteristics of a holy place, but also of an older observatory for observation of celestial objects. The most important characteristic of the observatory includes positions for observation.




Special markers of stone have been found, used for marking all characteristics points of the movement of the Sun and Moon on the east horizon. The observatory used a method of stationary observation, marking positions of the Sun at the winter and summer solstice, as well as the equinox.
The dominant location and the monumental appearance of the stone seats (thrones), the distinctly made stone markers, trenches, access paths and formed rite spaces - are a testimony of one original monumental art expressed through the skill of designing a space in a rocky area.
The making of the calendar was one of the basic functions of the megalithic observatory "Kokino". Most probably, the announcement for the days when the most important events start was made by lighting fire on the mountain top located behind the thrones. This spot opens a view in a radius of more than 30km, and hence the fire could be seen by the inhabitants of all surrounding places.
The ancient observatory "Kokino" represents an exceptionally well structured and organized area on the two hanging platforms united in the performing of their joint function: observing the movement of the Sun and the Moon and marking of the extreme positions.

The megalithic observatory "Kokino" represents an original and integral complex formed 3900 years ago.

American Space Agency NASA in 2005 ranged Megalithic Observatory Kokino on the 4-th place on the World’s Ancient Observatories list. 1. Abu Simbel, Egypt. 2. Stonehenge, UK, 3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia. 4. Kokino observatory, Macedonia 5. Goeck, Germany.

My participation for Skywatch Friday

17 comments:

Carol said...

Fascinating information and beautiful photos. I love your kaleidoscope post below!

Carver said...

The stone foundations are magnificent and such glorious skies too. Great sequence.

Gigi Ann said...

Lovely presentation, and very informative.

Unknown said...

Wow Dani
Fantastic shots. I love the rock surface. I love them all but that's last shot takes my breath away.

Happy weekend, Ev

Sylvia K said...

What a terrific and informative post for the day, Dani! And your photos are superb as always! That last shot is indeed a stunner! Fascinated by the stone foundations! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

Interesting the translation into Greek,meaning "Red". Surely a place shrinking life to its real, its important size. Half past three over here, wishing you a wonderful Friday.

daily athens

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful series of photos and a great post! Happy skywatching!

Dharma Shots said...

Great photo set, I especially love the second one.

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous place. So beautiful!

Rajesh said...

Spectacular views of the sky. This is an awesome location for observatory.

Shey said...

These are intriguing series of photos. The scenery breathtaking especially with the sun in between the rocks. I can easily see why it's deemed a holy place. I've learned a lot from your post too. Awesome!

jabblog said...

Glorious shots and fascinating information. These ancient monuments can teach us so much about the wisdom of our ancestors and how they lived.

Jan K. alias Afanja said...

What a stunning series!
Beautiful shots and interesting information.

eden said...

Great post with beatiful sky photos. Thank you for sharing the information.

joo said...

Fabulous post Dani - I would love to visit this place!

Linda said...

Amazing! I didn't know about this, so it was a fascinating discovery. You've really conveyed the mystery and power of the place.

Don Wood said...

Wow great shots and I never new any of the history, thanks for sharing XXX Don