Solstice Observers and Observatories in Native California

Abstract

In this paper, it is our purpose to focus upon one of these celestial objects, the sun, particularly in terms of solstitial observations. We will examine the importance of solar observations among Native Californians, and describe the techniques used to determine the solstice. We will also describe archaeoastronomical sites and explore ideas for locating others. Because the subject is so new in California research, our conclusions must by necessity be general ones and, of course, subject to change with new data.