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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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StonehengeStonehenge is perhaps the most famous megalithic site anywhere with its impressive ring of lintel topped standing stones, but there are many more layers of complexity to this magnificent monument.
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Stonehenge (source: Wikimedia Commons)
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Proposed Astronomical Connections
Stonehenge is famous for the alignment the horseshoe-shaped arrangement of sarsen trilithons toward the heel stone and the avenue beyond in such a way that the rising sun on the morning of midsummer shines along the axis. In the past the sun rose a little further to the north (to the left of the heel stone as seen from inside the circle) and would be even more centered in the avenue. There are some trees along that horizon that alter the altitude a bit. The opposite alignment as the sun sets at midwinter is also much discussed.
The year 2020 and on into 2021 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.
Throughout this period work is being undertaken to document the moon as it rises much closer to the position where the sun used to be around 3000 BC in the Neolithic period when some of the early phases of Stonehenge were under construction.
Also there has been recent interest in connections between Stonehenge and the Welsh site of Waun Mawn.
Stonehenge is famous for the alignment the horseshoe-shaped arrangement of sarsen trilithons toward the heel stone and the avenue beyond in such a way that the rising sun on the morning of midsummer shines along the axis. In the past the sun rose a little further to the north (to the left of the heel stone as seen from inside the circle) and would be even more centered in the avenue. There are some trees along that horizon that alter the altitude a bit. The opposite alignment as the sun sets at midwinter is also much discussed.
The year 2020 and on into 2021 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.
Throughout this period work is being undertaken to document the moon as it rises much closer to the position where the sun used to be around 3000 BC in the Neolithic period when some of the early phases of Stonehenge were under construction.
Also there has been recent interest in connections between Stonehenge and the Welsh site of Waun Mawn.
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PDF paper: Observation of Moonrise Along the Axis of Stonehenge as Proxy for Neolithic Summer Solstice Sunrise.
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