Major Lunar Standstill and Stonehenge’s Alignment
Stonehenge continues to captivate researchers and the public alike. Currently, a "major lunar standstill" is occurring, a rare astronomical event that happens every
18.6 years. Researchers are investigating whether Stonehenge’s architecture was designed to align with the moon during these standstills. The alignment of the monument's stones with the moon’s extreme positions suggests a deep astronomical knowledge among its builders. This study could redefine our understanding of Stonehenge’s purpose and the significance of lunar cycles to ancient peoples.
Takeaway: Stonehenge may have been as much a lunar calendar as a solar one, reflecting the sophisticated astronomical knowledge of its builders.
Photo by Hulki Okan Tabak on Unsplash
