64th Annual STS (2004-2005)
Finalists
James Andrew Cahill

ARIZONA
James Andrew Cahill, 18, of Flagstaff, investigated the possible existence of astronomically significant solar alignments within the Lomaki Pueblo, an eleventh century Anasazi ruin, for his earth and planetary science entry in the Intel Science Talent Search. He collected data for approximately one year, regularly observing a light portal at the Wupatki National Monument site in Northern Arizona. Through subsequent analysis of light/shadow interaction patterns, James discovered several alignments of astronomical significance, including sunset alignments on the equinoxes and alignments at the November and February cross quarter dates. He believes this could indicate that the site had served as an ancient solar calendar. His work was accepted for a poster presentation at the Oxford VII International Conference on Archaeoastronomy in June 2004, only the second time that a high school student has presented. James is co-founder of the cycling club at Flagstaff High School, where he lettered in cross country. He plays saxophone and guitar, and his hobbies include mountain bike racing and model aviation. The son of Dr. James and Nancy Cahill, he plans to continue his studies at the University of Arizona.