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Ancient Maya Used Math to Predict Eclipses Accurately

10/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers analyzing the Dresden Codex in Science Advances reveal that ancient Maya astronomers used advanced mathematics to predict solar eclipses with high accuracy.
The Dresden Codex also functioned as a lunar calendar before it tracked solar eclipses.
Researchers found overlapping cycles helped maintain accuracy across centuries, enabling eclipses observable in their region from 350 to 1150 CE.
If applied today, these methods could still predict eclipses visible from Mexico.

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Story summary

Researchers analyzing the Dresden Codex in Science Advances reveal that ancient Maya astronomers used advanced mathematics to predict solar eclipses with high accuracy.
The Dresden Codex also functioned as a lunar calendar before it tracked solar eclipses.
Researchers found overlapping cycles helped maintain accuracy across centuries, enabling eclipses observable in their region from 350 to 1150 CE.
If applied today, these methods could still predict eclipses visible from Mexico.