Archaeoastronomy: Khufu

The shafts of Khufu's pyramid serve a purpose. Along with pointing to important stars to provide a definite dating, the shafts were designed to align with important astronomical planes. The Great Pyramid not only serves as a time piece, but also demonstrates the astronomical and engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. The alignment of the King's north shaft is with the earth's axis, thus always pointing to the North Celestial Pole, whether marked by a pole star or not. This alignment is within one degree of parallel. It demonstrates a knowledge of the celestial equator, for the earth's axis runs at 90 degrees to it. The alignment of the Queen's south shaft is with the ecliptic (Earth's orbital plane around the Sun). This alignment is within two degrees of parallel. At alignment, this shaft points to the galactic centre in Sagittarius, around 30,000 light years away. The alignment of the King's south shaft is with the lunar orbital plane. The findings on the shaft and dating of the Great Pyramid are the original work of Alison Moroney, first published in "Astrological Monthly Review" in 1995; and subsequently in her book Pathway to Atlantis (1998). Copyright © Alison Moroney, 1994

The shafts of Khufu's pyramid serve a purpose. Along with pointing to important stars to provide a definite dating, the shafts were designed to align with important astronomical planes. The Great Pyramid not only serves as a time piece, but also demonstrates the astronomical and engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians.

The alignment of the King's north shaft is with the earth's axis, thus always pointing to the North Celestial Pole, whether marked by a pole star or not. This alignment is within one degree of parallel. It demonstrates a knowledge of the celestial equator, for the earth's axis runs at 90 degrees to it.

The alignment of the Queen's south shaft is with the ecliptic (Earth's orbital plane around the Sun). This alignment is within two degrees of parallel. At alignment, this shaft points to the galactic centre in Sagittarius, around 30,000 light years away.

The alignment of the King's south shaft is with the lunar orbital plane.

The findings on the shaft and dating of the Great Pyramid are the original work of Alison Moroney, first published in "Astrological Monthly Review" in 1995; and subsequently in her book Pathway to Atlantis (1998).