Clive Ruggles

Cultural astronomy

Archaeoastronomy is the study of beliefs and practices relating to the sky in the past, especially in prehistory, and the uses to which people’s knowledge of the skies was put.

Journals, present and past

Cultural astronomy is the combination of archaeoastronomy and ethnoastronomy, which relates to contemporary cultures.

Professional bodies

The 3-volume Springer Handbook contains 217 chapters on themes, issues, methods and practice, and case studies by authors from around the world.

You might also be interested in some of the materials to be found on cultural-astronomy.com.

Nā Inoa Hōkū

3rd edition

is now available for pre-ordering

Nā Inoa Hōkū is the definitive source of reference for anyone interested in traditional astronomical knowledge in the Hawaiian Islands and across the Pacific. Now hugely expanded

US$ 45

Our book on Stonehenge

This is now available from Historic England at a double-discounted price...

Stonehenge: Sighting the Sun

“This beautifully illustrated book shines new light on this most famous of ancient monuments, and is the first in-depth study of this fascinating topic suitable both for specialists and for anyone with a general interest.”

Preserving dark skies

A recently published IUCN report focuses on preserving natural darkness for nature protection, heritage conservation and night sky appreciation.

About me

I am Emeritus Professor of Archaeoastronomy in the School of Heritage and Culture (Archaeology and Ancient History) at the University of Leicester, UK.

Astronomical heritage

The UNESCO–IAU Portal to the Heritage of Astronomy contains a wide range of examples of different types of astronomical heritage together with information relevant to its protection, conservation, evaluation, management and promotion.