Rare Lunar Event to Illuminate Stonehenge’s Lunar Connection

Skygazers are gearing up for a rare celestial event known as a major lunar standstill, which could offer new insights into ancient sites like Stonehenge. This phenomenon occurs when the moon’s orbit aligns in a way that it rises and sets at its farthest points on the horizon, creating a longer duration in the sky. The event is set to coincide with the upcoming full moon.

Similar to the sun, the moon’s path across the sky can vary, rising or setting at different points on the horizon due to its tilted orbit and Earth’s tilted axis. However, unlike the sun, which gradually shifts its position over the course of a year, the moon’s movements are more pronounced and occur within a month.

Archaeologists are especially intrigued by this year’s major lunar standstill, as it may provide new insights into the design and alignment of ancient monuments like Stonehenge. Some experts believe that Stonehenge was constructed to align with the movements of the moon.

To celebrate this event, English Heritage, the organization responsible for managing Stonehenge, will be livestreaming the major lunar standstill on YouTube. The livestream will feature experts from the Royal Astronomical Society and several universities, who will delve into the mysteries of Stonehenge and its lunar connections.

It’s important to note that access to Stonehenge will not be available during the major lunar standstill, and English Heritage is urging people to watch the event online and not to travel to the site.

This event coincides with June’s full moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon, and comes just after the summer solstice, which marks the longest day of the year. Stonehenge is traditionally a popular destination for visitors during the summer solstice, although this year, the site was vandalized by climate activists just before the event.

Other historic monuments around the world, such as Chimney Rock in Colorado, are also believed to have been constructed to align with the movements of the moon and sun. English Heritage is excited to collaborate with the ancient Chacoan settlement for a series of events exploring lunar alignments, with a livestream expected in September during the full moon.