About 2750 BC, Thuban in Draco was less than 10 degrees from the exact northern pole, although now more than 26 degrees, and as it lies nearly at the centre of the figure, the whole constellation then visibly swung arund it, as on a pivot, like the hands of a clock, but in the reverse direction.
The star could be seen, both by day and night, from the bottom of the central passage of the Great Pyramid (Knum Khufu) at Ghizeh, in 30 degrees north latitude, as also from the similar points in five other like structures; and the same fact is asserted by Sir John Herschel as to the two pyramids at Abousseir. Herschel considered that there is distinct evidence of Thuban formerly being brighter than now, as its title from its consellation and its lettering would indicate. With Bayer it was 2nd magnitude, in fact the only one of the brilliancy in his list of Draco, and generally so in star catalogues previous to two centuries ago.
The passage in the Great Pyramid is 4 feet by 3.5 feet in diameter and 380 feet long, directed northward to Thuban, at an altitude of 26 degrees. At the time of its building, the Southern Cross was entirely visible.
Source, Star Names and their Meanings, Page 206
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
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