Citlaltlachtli - Ballcourt (Aztec)
Constallation: Gem
Source: http://www.incamayanaztec.com/aztec-astronomy.html
Finder Chart:
Date: 4/7/2021 9:24 PM Local Time
Location: Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus near Crowell, TX
Seeing: OK
Transparency: OK
Instrument Used: None
Notes/Description: None
Sketch
Questions
1. Does the selected and sketched pattern resemble any known asterism or official constellation that we use today? If so, which one(s)?
Yes. The outline of Gemini.
2. Did the culture in this section have a similar mythology (e.g. dogs, hunter, boat, etc.)?
No.
3. If yes, describe any material differences in either the figure's star pattern as imagined by the culture, and / or the difference in the mythology.
It is just the outline of some of the main stars of Gemini.
4. Is it likely that this star group, for this culture, may have been influenced by older or adjacent cultures? If so, whom?
Maybe the Mayans. They had a similar game.
5. If, for this culture, this group was significant for calendar, crop, or social events, describe what was involved, and how the timing or the appearance of the group was important or useful.
With the Aztecs being in the southern hemisphere, when this constellation is above the horizon, it would be warm enough to play their deadly game on the ball court. The Mayans have a similar game. The losers were put to death as we were told while visiting Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza in Mexico.
