  The article presents the results of multidisciplinary study carried out with
the help of archaeological and astronomical methods. The aim of the study was
to analyze and interpret the signs - elements of the composition, incised on
the outer side surface of the vessel of the Late Bronze Age, owned to Srubna
culture and discovered near the Staropetrovsky village in the northeast of the
Donetsk region. The measurements and astronomical calculations revealed that
all signs have astronomical meaning. Fourray star has been interpreted as the
star Sirius. The sign polyline has been interpreted as an analog of graphic of
equation of time in which the testimony of a water clock correspond with
average solar time, and the testimony of a sundial - the true solar time. Sign
wheel has been interpreted as a complex of lines, reflecting the regularity
changing the direction of the shadows from the gnomon at sunset at the
equinoxes and solstices. The sign thin polyline has been interpreted as a
symbol of change of height of the Sun in the meridian at the equinoxes and
solstices. Interpretation of wheel and polyline is related to the definition of
the duration of the day. Sign of the wheel shows a direct relationship the
duration of the day on the magnitude of the azimuth of sunrise/sunset, and thin
polyline - from changing the height of the Sun in the meridian. Thus
Staropetrovsky vessel, thanks to the astronomical signs, is a kind of ancient
astronomical visual aid, which reflects the level of astronomical knowledge of
the priesthood of Srubna culture at the late Bronze Age. Archaeoastronomy,
vessel, Srubna culture, marks, Sirius, equation of time, mean solar time, true
solar time, azimuth, calendar, astronomical year.
