Massive European megalithic tombs some 6,000 years-old were probably the first astronomical observing tools or telescopes used by prehistoric humans.

British astronomers contend the extended narrow entrances in igloo-shaped structures known as "passage graves" made of rock enhanced the night sky. These entrance chambers might have magnified a viewer's night vision, allowing him to detect stars rising at twilight sooner than he would otherwise have been able to.

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The team that pretended a study of these passage graves at the recent National Astronomy Meeting argue the prehistoric tombs might have been sacred and were used as rites of passage where the initiated would spend the night.

The only light inside these tombs came from the night sky shining down the entrance on which were placed their ancestors' remains. Ancient humans might have believed this lighting caused their ancestors to give them special powers.

"The orientations of the tombs may be in alignment with Aldebaran, the brightest star in the constellation of Taurus," said Fabio Silva, the research team leader. "To accurately time the first appearance of this star in the season, it is vital to be able to detect stars during twilight."

Kieran Simcox, who is also part of the team, said that by using these passage graves, "the observer would have sat in complete darkness, with only the opening to the passage grave in front of them showing the part of the sky where the star rises."

"By reducing the background area and focusing on just a small part of the sky, an observer will be able to see a star earlier than had they been outside," said Simcox.

Passage graves consisted of tombs placed in single or multiple chambers with a corridor leading to an entrance. The tomb was covered with mounds of earth or stone.

According to the research team, most passage graves date back to the Neolithic period between 6,000 and 2,000 B.C. Famous examples of passage graves are found in Newgrange in Ireland and Maeshowe in Scotland. There are also similar tombs in Spain and Scandinavia.

"They were clearly a widespread phenomena spanning the entire Atlantic coast. Different regions had their own traditions and architectural styles, but they are all variations on a theme," said the study.

The research team consisted of Daniel Brown from Nottingham Trent University, Fabio Silva of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and Kieran Simcox from Nottingham Trent University.

Tagspassage graves, telescopes, prehistoric humans, tombs