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Archaeoastronomy DatabaseThe Archaeoastronomy Database is a crowd-sourced compilation of investigations and observations of astronomical connections that can be objectively demonstrated at ancient sites whether intended by the builders or not. The goal is to collect as much data as possible in a searchable and categorized format so that observations can build on one another and in aggregate might contribute to our overall knowledge of the past. (more...)
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NewgrangeThe Neolithic passage tomb of Newgrange is one of the most famous megalithic prehistoric monuments.
Newgrange is part of a complex of prehistoric sites throughout the Boyne Valley in Ireland with many well-known sites as well as new sites being discovered very recently. Well Known Sites Nearby:
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Newgrange: Passage Entrance
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Proposed Astronomical Connections
Newgrange is famous for the alignment of the passage so that the light from the rising sun on mornings surrounding winter solstice shines through the roof box and reaches the chamber. In the past the sun rose a little further to the south and would be more centered in the roof box so that the beam of light would reach all the way into the chamber whereas now the sun rises in the left of the roof box and the beam falls a bit short.
2020 is about halfway between Minor Lunar Standstill and Major Lunar Standstill. This period can be termed an Equalized Lunar Standstill. During this 'Equalized Lunar Standstill' period, monthly lunar standstill positions will pass through solstice positions for different locations at various times depending on adjustments for lunar parallax.
Finding a specific standstill event for a given location to match a certain declination value closely is always possible, but may not happen during an ideal lunar phase, not to mention with cooperative weather conditions.
Events matching solar declinations can occur all the way through to Major Lunar Standstill and back to the next Equalized Lunar Standstill, but the moon is less likely to be on the local horizon as monthly standstill positions drift over the years.
On Saturday August 29, 2020 a nearly full moon will rise and reach the center of the roof box at Newgrange at 19:30 local time (18:30 UTC) just before sunset. The first 4 minutes of the video below shows a visualization of this event in Stellarium with a photographic overlay of the roof box (after F. Prendergast). The remaining 12 minutes show the visualization in real-time for any that are interested in experiencing the event at actual speed.
Newgrange is famous for the alignment of the passage so that the light from the rising sun on mornings surrounding winter solstice shines through the roof box and reaches the chamber. In the past the sun rose a little further to the south and would be more centered in the roof box so that the beam of light would reach all the way into the chamber whereas now the sun rises in the left of the roof box and the beam falls a bit short.
2020 is about halfway between Minor Lunar Standstill and Major Lunar Standstill. This period can be termed an Equalized Lunar Standstill. During this 'Equalized Lunar Standstill' period, monthly lunar standstill positions will pass through solstice positions for different locations at various times depending on adjustments for lunar parallax.
Finding a specific standstill event for a given location to match a certain declination value closely is always possible, but may not happen during an ideal lunar phase, not to mention with cooperative weather conditions.
Events matching solar declinations can occur all the way through to Major Lunar Standstill and back to the next Equalized Lunar Standstill, but the moon is less likely to be on the local horizon as monthly standstill positions drift over the years.
On Saturday August 29, 2020 a nearly full moon will rise and reach the center of the roof box at Newgrange at 19:30 local time (18:30 UTC) just before sunset. The first 4 minutes of the video below shows a visualization of this event in Stellarium with a photographic overlay of the roof box (after F. Prendergast). The remaining 12 minutes show the visualization in real-time for any that are interested in experiencing the event at actual speed.
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PDF paper: Observation of Moonrise in the Passage at Newgrange as Proxy for Neolithic Winter Solstice Sunrise.
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