The Observatory

The Rapa Nui site at Ahu Huri a Urenga is, for two reasons, unique amongst Easter Island’s Polynesian archaeological treasures. First, the complex, which is astronomically aligned, is a solar observatory. Carefully positioned stone holes would collect water and reflect star patterns, thereby heralding weather cycles and seasons. Secondly, the lone moai atop the ahu has two pairs of hands, engraved into its back; nobody can figure out why. This photo shows Huri a Urenga reflected in a crystal ball.