The Mayan calendars were overseen by experts called “daykeepers.” Their role continues even today. Eclipses held a special place in Mayan culture. According to researcher Lowry, “They tracked eclipses, had rituals around them, and integrated them into their belief system.” This shows that the eclipse tables were vital cultural knowledge. The challenge was to understand how these tables were created.
Lowry and Justeson studied the eclipse predictions found in the Dresden Codex. They compared these predictions to a NASA database, focusing on 145 solar eclipses visible in the Maya region from 350 to 1150 CE. Their findings reveal that the codex’s eclipse tables developed from a basic table that tracked lunar months. They found that a 405-month lunar cycle matched more closely with a 260-day calendar than with cycles of solar or lunar eclipses. This indicates that daykeepers figured out that 405 new moons could predict 46 periods of 260 days, allowing them to forecast full and new moons accurately.
These experts also noticed that solar eclipses often occurred on or near the same days in their 260-day calendar. Lowry explains, “An eclipse happens only during a new moon. If you predict a new moon, you can also predict a solar eclipse with a one-in-seven chance.” This knowledge led them to refine their lunar prediction models for more accurate eclipse forecasting.
However, the Maya also had to tweak their tables over time for accuracy. Lowry points out, “When we think of accuracy, we often want to be precise down to the microsecond. The Maya had a very accurate calendar but predicted events to the day, not the second.” Recent studies support their impressive achievements in astronomy, showcasing the advanced understanding the Maya had about celestial events.
Interestingly, modern researchers continue to uncover the depth of Mayan astronomical knowledge. For instance, in 2020, a study showed that the Maya used sophisticated calculations to track Venus’s movements, demonstrating their remarkable skills in astronomy. As a result, the fascination with Mayan calendars and their predictions remains strong, even today.
Understanding the Mayan approach to timekeeping not only enriches our historical perspective but also prompts us to appreciate the sophistication of ancient civilizations. Their blend of observation, mathematics, and cultural significance shaped a legacy that still interests astronomers and historians alike.
