An ancient observatory used by ancestors of the Puyallup Tribe of Washington has been preserved with the help of an historical society and the city of Tacoma.

Called Skystone, the large stone was threatened by a housing project. The city required the developer to fence and protect the rock, which is 4 1/2 feet high and about 12 feet across.

Scientists who studied Skystone say it was used for a variety of purposes. It can be used to predict seasons, locate stars and constellations and point to the North Star. The tribe considers it to be of cultural and historical significance, and there are songs in tribal culture about it.

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City preserves historic tribal observatory (The Tacoma News Tribune 1/26)

Relevant Links:
Puyallup Tribe - http://www.geocities.com/puyallup_tribe_of_indians