Mound J, Monte Albán: Possible Astronomical Orientation

Mound J, Monte Albán, a building of peculiar orientation and shape, has been mapped and tested for astronomical orientation. At the time of construction of the building, a line perpendicular to the base of the steps of J would have pointed to the rising position of the bright star Capella, which rose heliacally on one of the days of solar zenith passage. We note the existence of a possible zenith sighting tube built into the steps of building r which lies in the line of sight. A second coincidence is discussed in which 5 of the 25 brightest stars are found to have set close to the azimuth of the "point" of the building at the time it was erected.