Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

Which star was primarily used for determining north during the construction of the ancient Egyptian pyramids?

1. Canopus

2. Betelgeuse

3. The North Star

4. Alpha Centauri

The correct answer is: The North Star

The North Star, also known as Polaris, is historically significant for navigation because it is located nearly directly above the North Pole. This unique position allows it to serve as a reliable indicator of true north for navigators and surveyors. The ancient Egyptians, who were skilled in various fields including astronomy and mathematics, utilized the stars for orientation and construction purposes. During the construction of the pyramids, aligning structures with cosmic phenomena was crucial. While it is worth noting that Polaris was not as prominent in the night sky during that period due to the precession of the equinoxes, it was still recognized as a central point in the sky that helped determine cardinal directions. The ancient Egyptians would use observations of the stars, including north, to ensure proper alignment of their monumental structures towards specific celestial targets. Other stars mentioned, such as Canopus, Betelgeuse, and Alpha Centauri, while significant in their own right, do not have the same historical relevance as Polaris in providing a consistent frame of reference for north in the context of ancient Egyptian construction techniques.