Hovenweep Observatory
Hovenweep Hovenw o wee w eep ep Observatory b er e a ory o be with the sskyy through th t o gh h naked na eye e, A place to eye, r and high definition e ion n observation. ob v amature, Ah hl Cunningham C nnin i ha Ashley a 2014 14 4 | ADS 7 Fall Prof.. Bob Bob Condia o diaa Prof.
SCOR • PI • ON :any of an order (Scorpionida) of nocturnal arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip. The scorpion can be found in a wide variety of places, from the desert to the tropics. They has a thick exoskeleton covering their muscles and organs which allows them to survive in harsh conditions. This skeleton also asks as a combat shield during battle, and their pincers and stinger act as their weapons. They also have the invisible protection of flourescence. Scorpions can sense their surroundings using this sixth sense as well as find shelter. I chose to study the scorpion because I am interested in the connections in the segments of their tail. These connections consist of muscles, cartilage, and exoskeleton, which all work together to operate the tail at high velocities. The tail lays completely flat when dormant, and can then arch completely over the scorpions body to fend off predators or apprehend prey. This quick and fluid action through such a rigid structure inspired my design.
Hovenweep International Dark Sky Park is one of ten Golden Tier Dark Sky Parks in the US. This standard is decided through the measure of light pollution in the area as well as other atmospheric conditions.
To the local people, Hovenweep means Deserted Valley. This is probably because there are a series of structures built between 1200-1300AD that we left deserted. They were thought to be astronimical devices used by the previous residents.
The site is located right off of one of the only roads in the area. Located on the top of a small canyon, the site has good drainage and no risk of flooding. Being up high also means better views of the sky. There are no tall objects such as trees, buildings, or mountains directly adjacent to the site which allows for clear views from horizon to horizon. The building is pushed down into the earth to help prevent direct sunlight from penetrating the building and heating it, as well as to force views up towards the sky which is the main attraction.
Utah
Colo ado Color do
Hoven oven nweep ep p Nation Natio nall nal
Canyo Canyons of the Ancients
Navaj ava o Natio on Reservatio at on n
This diagrams shows the points of interest which can be seen along the summer and winter solstices from the site of the observatory. The view to the Northeast shows the beginning of the Canyons of the Ancients; to the Southeast shows a large mountain peak which corresponds to the sunrise on the winter solstice; to the Southwest is a small series of mountains and craters in the earth; and to the Northwest is the largest mountain peak near the site, this area is also filled with hiking and walking trails and attracts many people to the area. Each point is almost exactly twice the distance as the previous point, from the site of the observatory, and happens along a solstice line. The people Hovenweep could have used the points to reference certain days or events much like out modern calendar, although they would only be using their observation skills as well as knowledge of astronomical happenings to determine solstices, eclipses, etc.
GROUPING OF SPACES
SEPARATION OF SPACES
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
MANIPULATION OF SITE
UNOBSTRUCTED SKY
LEVELS OF OBSERVATION HIGH POWER
AMATURE
NAKED EYE
PUBLIC | FULL MOON
PRIVATE | NEW MOON
The main office of the AAS is currently located in Washington DC, which is a very bright area. In order to better study astronomical bodies, the AAS is in need of an Anstronomical Observatory completely with four labratories for each of their different divisions: 1. Division of Dynamical Astronomy (DDA) The study of celestial mechanics, colar system dynamics, stellar dynamics, interstellar medium dynamics, and galactic dynamics. 2. Division of Planetary Sciences (DPS) The largest division; The study of the bodies of our own solar system including planets, moons, comets, and asteriods as well as extrasolar planetary systems. 3. High Energy Astrophysics (HEAD) The study of high energy particales and photons, relativistic gravitational fields, and related phenomena in the astrophysical universe. 4. Historical Astronomy Division (HAD) The study and promotion of historical nature of astronomy, archaeoastronomy, and the application of historical records to modern astrophysical problems. The AAS is interested in the Hovenweep area of Utah because it is one of the darkest night skies in the country as well as a historical site known for the Towers of Hovenweep, which were once astronomical devices by the ancestral Puebloans.