Micronesia 2017
Archaeoastronomy Expedition:
Kosrae and Pohnpei, The Federated States of Micronesia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and lauded as ‘The 8th Wonder of the World’ Pohnpei and Kosrae, are home to megalithic cities made out of basalt that supported sophisticated chiefdoms for nearly 2 milenia. The goal of this expedition was to measure, observe, and document through archaeoastronomy methods, potential connections between these large complexes and important constellations.
Ancient Architecture
The ancient architecture of the sites Nan Modal and Leluh, on Pohnpei and Kosrae respectively, are uniquely built on fringing reefs of small coastal islands. Multi ton basalt prisms were transported to create walls, tomb structures, temples, villages, and pathways.
Enigma of the Heavens
While there is ample scholarship and oral history tradition dealing with celestial navigation among Caroline Islanders, little is known of the connection between the archaeological structures of their fore-bearers and the night sky. Using GPS, and the iOS application Spyglass, the team documented megalithic structures taking measurements, orientation and cardinal directions. Various constellations and equinoxes indicate the change of seasons, marking important ceremonies and rituals performed in these large structures. For example the team took many measurements at the temple complex Menka on Kosrae, a ceremonial site dedicated to the breadfruit cult deity Sinlaku.
Expedition Team with Explorers Club Flag #71 at Menka, Kosrae
(Left to Right) Brian Hanson, Julie Wallace, Ryan Bennett, Jeanne Wilcke, Alexandra Edwards, Eric Zember, Edmundo Edwards, Captain Lynn Danaher, Alex Wallace, James Alexander, and Linda Alexander