ancient Solar Observatories discovered in Malta

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Ancient "Temple Builders" Solar Observatories


ancient Temple Builders Solar Observatory found on the island of Malta

Is this area of strangely shaped (terraced) hills and boulders an ancient Maltese Solar Observatory, built by the mysterious "Temple Builders" of Malta or is it only some shaped hills and boulders?

Peru's ancient Solar Observatory and Malta's possible Solar Observation complex

Are there any similarities between it and the Solar Observatory discovered in Peru, the 13 Towers of Chankillo?

Why do I think there is a possibility this could be an ancient Maltese Solar Observatory?

To read more visit this everythingiselectric.com article on the possible ancient Solar Observatory on the Island of Malta

More information and ideas will be posted on the forum soon

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Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples aligned for the Summer Solstice


Hagar Qim Temples and Mnajdra Temples aligned for the Summer Solstice - sun rising on June 21st

The Temples of Malta were designed by the Temple Builders to be aligned with the Summer Solstice and who knows what other events in the skies. Every year at the Summer Solstice the sun rises in alignment with special places in the Hagar Qim Temples and Mnajdra Temples as seen in this photograph.

What other Temples, Stone Circles or natural features were used to observe and track the passage of the Sun across the sky each year?

Summer Solstice – Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples
The unique setting of the Mnajdra and Hagar Qim Temples at Qrendi, overlooking the coast, gives them a special charm not to be found in any other of the large-scale megalithic buildings of the Maltese Islands.

Sunrise on the first day of each season underlines the relationship between the temples and celestial bodies. Although it is not known for certain whether these orientations were intentional, they are so systematic that this is very probable. In prehistoric agricultural societies, observation of the motion of the stars, the moon and sun could have been related to the changing seasons and times of planting and harvesting crops.

On the 21st June during the summer solstice the first rays of the sun light up the edge of a megalith found to the left of the central doorway connecting the first pair of chamber to the inner chamber of the Lower Mnajdra Temple. At the same time at Hagar Qim sunlight passes through a hole known as he oracle hole which opens onto a chamber on the northeast side of the structure. Here the sun’s rays project a disk of light onto a stone slab at the entrance to the apse. As the minutes pass the disc becomes a crescent, then elongates into an elipse, then elongates still further and finally sinks out of sight as though into the ground.
Summer Solstice – Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples | gozonews.com

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Maltese  solar observatories - construction and location


Maltese solar observatories construction and location

These possible Maltese solar observatories stand out in the area they are found (near Dingli Cliffs and Mtahleb Chapel). The top of the elongated hill has a bank on it that contains a line of rocks. These appear to be the marker stones that show or track the suns progression across the skies during the year.

The hills have been changed by man and it looks like the top of the hill has been constructed with this line or boulders and rocks on top. If not as a solar observatory then why are they there?

Maltese solar observatories - built by the Temples Builders?

Maltese  solar observatories - construction and location - article and more photographs

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Gnejna Bay, Mgarr, Malta - solar observatory


Gnejna Bay, Mgarr, Malta - solar observatory using the natural landscape?

At the end of the valley leading from Mgarr to Gnejna Bay Malta there is the Ras il-Pellegrin headland to one side and on it is a large rock outcrop. Along its top line is a very distinct \__/ shape and also some other sharp steps.  These may be natural but were they adapted by the ancient Temple Builders of Malta to be used to mark the progression of the sun in the sky? Is there another solar observatory at Gnejna Bay or is it just nature?

Around the equinoxes you can view the sun setting in the gap from the massive boulders on the flat bit of land cut into the slope.

** Gnejna Bay, Mgarr, Malta - solar observatory - article
** Gnejna Bay, Mgarr, Malta - solar observatory - EYE photographs

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Standing Stones, markers and plinth stones

For the series of hills to be a solar/astronomy observatory there would need to be constructions that reflect this. Megaliths, Standing Stones and earth works should show signs. If this is a variation or the original model for the Peru hilltop solar observatory then it would have similar features. There does not appear to be a row of towers on the top but was there a row of Standing Stones (Megaliths) acting as markers on the top on the hill top?

left is a fallen standing stone and marker stone on the ridge top and right another marker stone

There are a number of fallen Standing Stones and Megaliths with rectangular features, flat surfaces, straight sides, right angle (90 degree) corners. These are found where you would expect them to be located.

cube stone and porthole slab stone at the Dingli Cliffs solar observatory

There are also a couple of boulder "avenues" at the ends of the ridge line going down the side. Avenues flanked by 2 lines of statues or stones are a familiar feature at megalithic and other ancient sites. Are these also used as astronomy markers and to mark Dragon Lines (Ley Lines) ?

** Astronomy Observatories Complex at Dingli Cliffs - introduction

** Astronomy Observatories Complex at Dingli Cliffs - Standing Stones and Megaliths

** Astronomy Observatories Complex at Dingli Cliffs - construction

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Torba (Malta's ancient concrete) used by the Temple Builders


Malta's Torba (ancient limestone concrete) used by the Maltese Temple Builders
to construct this Solar Observatory Complex

Torba (Maltese for ancient concrete) was used by the islands Temple Builders to construct the Temples with examples of Torba at Ggantija Temples Complex (Gozo) and Tarxien Temples Complex. The problem is its hard to find it or its covered over.

Torba is limestone mixed with gravel, sand, ash or aggregates (small rocks, pebbles, stones) and water. Malta has plenty of limestone! When it sets it is rock solid, as witnessed by the fact it is still around today. The Romans and Egyptians used concrete to help construct their amazing buildings.

On the hilltop used to mark the procession of the sun and other astronomy events there is at least one example of aggregate Torba connecting to boulders together. The Torba goes to partly cover the flat surface of the large boulder.

This appears to be proof that the Temple Builders did build something on the top of this hill. What would they build on top of the hill?


** Torba and construction - how were Malta's astronomy observatories built?

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ancient construction materials - concrete and Malta's Torba (Maltese cement)


ancient concrete/cement (Maltese Torba) used for construction and masonry

What ancient construction materials were used to construct Malta's Solar Observatories found near Dingli Cliffs?There is more evidence of concrete and Malta's Torba (Maltese cement) used? Is there any evidence of it also being used at Gnejna Bay Malta horizon astronomy observatory? I looked at the Pillarstone or marker needle from nearby but will have to climb down to it to see how it was formed, if it is natural or man made.

ancient concrete (Torba in Maltese) used for building and as a "plinth course"

The astronomy observatories at Dingli Cliffs Malta appear to have used concrete/cement/mortar to construct foundations and plinth courses for larger boulders to stand on. Did they use it to form some or all of the boulders/blocks themselves? Does this explain the amount of small stones found on the top and in other parts of the island of Malta? Are they weathered down or destroyed masonry blocks created from Torba/concrete?


** Ancient concrete, cement, mortar, masonry and Torba - Malta's astronomy observatory at Dingli Cliffs

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Dingli Cliffs Malta astronomy observation complex - east hill and megaliths


Dingli Cliffs Malta astronomy observation complex - east hill observatory

These terraced hills near Dingli Cliffs on the island of Malta line up to make a solar/astronomy complex. The east hill has a flat top, a couple of smaller flat earth platforms and some Standing Stones. A few of these are very large Megaliths.

Megalithic (Standing Stones) near Dingli Cliffs Malta and the astronomy observation complex

There are smaller Menhirs and what might be Plinth blocks. The top may also have acted as a sundial.

For more information visit the Dingli Cliffs Malta astronomy observation complex - east hill and megaliths article
For more photographs visit the Dingli Cliffs Malta astronomy observation complex - east hill and megaliths photos album

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Malta's astronomy observatory complex at Dingli Cliffs - middle hill


ancient building materials and masonry blocks for the astronomy observatory on Malta

The middle hill of Malta's astronomy observatory near Dingli Cliffs has a lot of rocks, stones and rubble on it. A number of the large stones look like masonry building blocks as they have flat surfaces and straight sides.

ancient masonry blocks or modern? large Megalith/Menhir

Are these masonry building blocks ancient, modern or are the rock blocks in fact natural?

To read more on the middle observatory hill visit Astronomical Observatories - ancient structures Malta - middle hill solar observatory and masonry
More images of the megaliths and masonry blocks on the middle astronomy observatory hill

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Gnejna Bay, Mgarr, Malta - not just a sandy beach but Megaliths/Menhirs also


Gnejna Bay, Mgarr, Malta and its Megaliths/Menhirs and its solar observatory

At Gnejna Bay, Mgarr, Malta you will find a number of toppled over Megaliths/Menhirs around the Solar Observatory platform/sighting area. Some are close to the base stone or plinth stone that the stones use to stand on.

Megalith/Menhir with its base stone or Plinth stone found at Gnejna Bay, Mgarr, Malta

The above Megalith/Menhir is found beside the large cube stone that it stood on.

Were these stones in conjuction with the Solar Observatory rock formation to the west of them observed from the viewing platform or were they observed from even further back? The very strange shaped elongated pyramid hill beside the sandy Gnejna Bay or from other vantage points along the valley or surrounding hills?


** Gnejna Bay, Mgarr - Megaliths/Menhirs and the solar observatory
** Gnejna Bay, Mgarr - Megaliths/Menhirs images

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New Zealands horizon astronomy observation complex - Waitapu Valley


Waitapu Valleys (Maunganui Bluff) horizon astronomy observation complex and megaliths

At Waitapu Valley (Maunganui Bluff) in New Zealands North Island there is a wonderul horizon astronomy observation complex. It appears to be ancient and perhaps pre Maori. The Waitapu Valley has megaliths all over it, including in the woods, and stone circles around the area.


There is also what may be another horizon astronomy site (there may be many in New Zealand) located at the fascinating stone hut settlement at Tapapakanga Park.

I have visited these sites and can confirm that the physcial evidence is there and is more interesting than can be conveyed. The stone hut settlement at Tapapakanga Park has to be seen to believe what is actually there.


More information on New Zealands horizon astronomy observation complexes

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evidence for temple builders structures from the Hagar Qim Temples complex

temple builders stonework - left at the Solar Observatory and right at the Hagar Qim Temples

the top of middle hill of the solar observatory appears to be the ruins of a structure or a temple. it may have been a astronomy observation building but it is very difficult to tell from the remains. they could even have been moved and piled up their from a surrounding part of the hill or astronomy observation complex.

the very precise nature of the stonework/masonry found in and around the hilltop makes it man made. the large boulder with the hole in its center was a brilliant thing to find and is great evidence that this is an old structure or building. there are no official records of any sites in this valley (Wied ir-Rum). this is very strange as Malta has temples, circles, dolmens all over the place but one of the most amazing valleys on the island has no temple builders structures? cart ruts go off the cliff top, it has a little stream running down into it from Mtahleb chapel but they did not choose to build anything there ...

the only report on this area that i can find said this

the cliff hamlet of San Gakbu or Ghar Zerrieq, overlooking the very attractive Wied ir-Rum. There are fine ruts on the cliff lip ... a pleasant track follows the cliff lip round to Mtahleb ... Megaliths are reported from time to time on the hills below the cliffs here, but they are natural, the fragmented remains of the Upper Coralline limestone capping which once covered the area. The vally which seperates them from the higher ground , the Wied ta' Migra Ferha, was the route by which Count Roger the Norman in 1091 led his successful attack on the Arabs.

quote form page 140 "Malta - an archaeological guide" by David Trump

I have taken people to see the structures found in Wied ir-Rum and they agree that there are certainly the remains of buildings and megaliths. i think it depends on what you are looking for. if you are looking for a classic temple with its apses and standard patterns then you may not be looking for and see something different. Of course David Trump may not be referring to these structures or may have not have seen them.

Maltese Temple Builders carving work at the Hagar Qim Temples complex

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Horizon Astronomy - double sunset - equinox

double sunset - Horizon Astronomy - sun set on 2 different days

Horizon Astronomy can use a trick called the double sunset - this is the easiest way to mark the progression of the sun across the sky. It is harder to see or mark the sun in the middle of a target point or on top of a menhir/megalith due to the size of the sun and its brightness. But if you are observing the very edge of the sun then you can look at the marker stone or formation on the horizon and you will only see a fraction of the sun so you are not blinded.

Horizon Astronomy works because the sun in relation to the earths horizon moves a fraction each day. So one day you have it where you can not see the sun but the next day you can see a fraction of the sun and that marks the appropriate day (solstices, equinox etc)

Dingli Cliffs solar observatory - middle hill - stone circle

Dingli Cliffs astronomy complex - middle hill - ancient landscaping of a hill

The solar/astronomy complex located near Dingli Cliffs Malta are great examples of ancient human landscaping on a large scale. They have been done very purposefully to aide whoever built them to track the sun on its journey across our horizon. They are perhaps one of the oldest examples of horizon astronomy on earth using large scale landscaping.

ancient lanscaping in europe - astronomy observation platfrom

The middle landscaped hill (looks like a Star Destroyer from Star Wars) has building/structure remains on top of it but rests on top of the very long lower part of the hill. Why have these shapes been used and why these specific heights?

At the bottom of the long platform (direction towards the horizon astronomy hill used to mark the solar progression) is a rough stone circle of large megaliths. These may have been moved or may be where they were put.

horizon astronomy - solar equinox observatory and tracking

What happens at the bottom of the platform, level where the stone circle is found is that you can follow the progress of the setting sun against the astronomy hill. Depending on where you stand you will have the sun blocked out, setting between triangle points or even the holy grail of horizon astronomy - the double sunset.

The examples below do not show an actual double sunset but show how the sun appears on the hill top. The large megaliths on the top have been placed precisely and down the north slope of the horizon astronomy hill there are pairs of megaliths and a fallen standing stone.

double sunset solar observatory hill

If you find one of the spots you should be able to get the double sunset that the people who landscaped the area to create this horizon astronomy complex would have used to mark the equinox and solcistes.

Dingli Cliffs solar observatory - middle hill - Star Destroyer platform

landscape and horizon astronomy platform/complex - Malta

The middle hill structure consists of a large platform that has been landscaped for a precise reason. It would appear that the hieght has been calculated to help with solar observations in relation to the landscape and sea horizon around it.

horizon and sperical astronomy - using sea and landscape horizons

One of the more obvious designs for it is the solar observation as the sun goes across the hill between the middle hill and the sea. When standing or sitting on the long platform the sea horizon connects with the sloping edge of the horizon astronomy hill. If you found the spots where the Temple Builders or whoever built this solar observation complex, took their measurements you should see the sun set at various times of the year where the sea level and special marker megaliths on the hill meet.

Although rising and lower sea levels may mean that is not now possible to physically view this but you may be able to calculate it.

Horizon Astronomy - landscape and structures - east hill observatory

spherical and horizon astronomy in the mediterranean (Malta)

The east hill of the Dingli Cliffs solar observation complex is a rounded hill with landscaped flat platforms on its top and sides. These appear to line up with the 2 hills in front and are very likely to also be used to observe the rising sun in the other direction. The sun rises over the cliff tops of Mtahleb Valley so its movement during the year across the horizon and sky would be perfect from this hill top.

double sunset landscape and structures

This landscaped hill top has a few flat platforms built into the top and side of the hill and from there you get different perspectives of the horizon astronomy hills in front of you. The middle hill in front has a number of stones that suggest it had a structure or megaliths on top of it or around it.

celestial sphere observatory and the equinox

What may have happened is that the ancient solar observatory people used the structures/megaliths to mark the location of the sun on special days or they could have even constructed the astronomy complex so that they made an artificial "double sunset" or a number of them

horizontastronomie observatory and the autumn equinox

at the front and side of the middle hill there is a large megalith that juts out. this may have been a fallen megalith from the structure there or it could have even been placed there to do a "reverse double sunset". basically the edge of the sun would be seen and then the next day no part of the sun would be seen. thus marking the special solar day.

astronomy observatory and marking the equinox

sun dial and autumnal equinox observation

the east hill could also have been used as a sun dial with special megaliths casting shadows that hit certain points or other megaliths on the flat platforms

[kevin]

Stunning post Electrobleme, and just as We approach the Equinox, with a full moon to boot.
I would expect the unexpected to possibly occur.
The equinox is when equal day and night occur, and the sun is in the plane of our equator, the field line geometry is thus equal north and south.
The trees are responding here NOW, they are reverting to normal field directions above and below ground, they have since the spring equinox been in reverse, they must be able to modulate their celluler resonace features to achieve this...stunning.
A reversed gravity gradient within them is the consequence.
To our ancestors this timing will have meant far more than simply this, memory of past consequences may have led them to fear such times.
Kevin

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Gnejna Bay Malta - landscape astronomy and double sunsets

Double sunsets were used by the ancient cultures around the world as a calendar and to mark important days of the year. Some of the most famous double sunsets are at Leek (Staffordshire) where you have "Dr Plots" double sunset and also the doppio tramonto at Duomo (Monte Forato).

Gnejna Bay Malta may have its own version of the double sunset using the solar observatory complex up on its slopes.

green archaeoastronomy and double sunsets at Gnejna Bay Malta

Depending on where you are located around Gnejna Bay Malta you will see the sun set behind a ridge with a strange "needle" of rock and other breaks and flat areas in it. You can find locations where the double sunset will occur.

The people who constructed and used the Gnejna Bay Malta astronomy complex may have used another trick of landscape astronomy and used the edge of the sun to mark the path of the sun and special solar days.

archaeo astronomical site and double sunsets or horizon astronomy at Gnejna Bay Malta

Using the fact that the sun moves a fraction across the sky each day compared to the last day these folk astronomies could have used the left edge of the sun as the solar marker. for 1 day the very edge of the sun can be seen and the next day it can not, thus marking the special solar day.

double sunsets sites and landscape astronomy at Gnejna Bay Malta

Using various methods the Temple Builders or whoever built the the astronomy complext at Gnejna Bay Malta could set their solar calendar, marking the spring/autumn equinox and the summer/winter solstices.

The photos found here were taken a few days before the autumn equinox.

double sunset type ancient solar observations at Gnejna Bay Malta

Using the different parts of the landscape they could create various sighting/marking points on the ridge. They could also view these from different locations at Gnejna Bay Malta. Some would be only for 1 particular event or time of the year but others would be more general purpose.

The photos above were taken from the Gnejna Bay beach itself. If i was one of these ancient astronomers I think i would have been keen to volunteer for the duty on Gnejna Bay beach

Gnejna Bay beach Malta at sunset