Anthony Francis Aveni (born 1938) is an American academic anthropologist, astronomer, and author, noted in particular for his extensive publications and contributions to the fields of archaeoastronomy and cultural astronomy.
He is Russell Colgate Distinguished University Professor of Astronomy and Anthropology and Native American Studies, Emeritus at Colgate University, and he is the author of more than 34 books and 300 research publications that include three cover articles in Science magazine.
[2] He founded the university's astronomy program,[3] and he rose to the named chair of Russell Colgate Distinguished University Professor of Astronomy and Anthropology and Native American Studies before retiring emeritus.
[1] Aveni is recognized for his influence on the development of archaeoastronomy and cultural astronomy as disciplines in the latter 20th century.
[4] He has specialized in the study of ancient astronomical practices in the Americas, and pioneered research into the historical astronomy of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures.