The Star Tunnel is the core of Star Axis. It is exactly parallel to the Earth’s axis and points to our north star Polaris. As you climb the ten-story stairway toward the aperture at the top, you see larger and larger views of the sky. Each view frames an orbit of Polaris for a particular time in the 26,000 year cycle of precession.

 

The stairs in the Star Tunnel are dated to identify the years. The smallest orbit of Polaris, viewed form the bottom stair in 2100 AD, is about the size of a dime held at arm’s length. The largest orbit of Polaris you can see at the top of the Star Tunnel. It occurs in 11,000 BC and 15,000 AD and encompasses your entire field of vision.

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Dates for the Steps of Star Axis: Report for Charles Ross

by WoodruffT. Sullivan, III & Mallory Thorp

Dept. of Astronomy, University of Washington, Seattle

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